IMLS SWILS Scholarship Announcement
The School of Information Science and the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky are pleased to announce a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarianship grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The grant will support students pursuing a graduate certificate in Social Work-Informed Library Services (SWILS).
This certificate introduces students to the contemporary challenges libraries face and how social work-informed solutions can help address them. The certificate will prepare students to address the changing needs of library patrons and further develop interdisciplinary library/social work partnerships to better serve patrons.
Twelve academically qualified IMLS-SWILS Fellows will be selected and will complete certificate requirements in 2026 and 2027. Participants will take four courses:
- Introduction to Social Work-Informed Library Services (SW 580/LIS 690)
- Advanced Social Work-Informed Library Services (SW 736/LIS 681)
- Public Libraries (LIS 645)
- Practicum (LIS 672/ SW 640, 740 or 741)
Scholarship Information:
- Scholarship application
- Includes tuition for four courses, including a practicum, for the certificate
- Includes student fees for two semesters (spring and fall semesters)
- Includes stipend ($5,000) to complete on-site practicum (300 – 400 hours) at a partnering public library located in IN, KY, or MO. Every effort will be made to match selected certificate students with a partnering library in their geographic area.
- Virtual information session: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 3pm, registration is open
- Scholarship application deadline: November 30, 2025
Contact Dr. Youngok Choi (Youngok.choi@uky.edu) or Dr. Matt Moore (mattmoore@uky.edu) for admissions information.
Eligibility and admission criteria for scholarship consideration:
To be considered for the IMLS scholarships, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Accepted or enrolled in the MSLS or MSW program at UK.
- Completed scholarship application by November 30, 2025.
- Be eligible to enroll in the spring semester of 2026.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in relevant undergraduate or graduate coursework, with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Recipients of the IMLS-SWILS scholarship may not receive other UK scholarships, or tuition reduction. Contact Dr. Youngok Choi (youngok.choi@uky.edu) if you have questions about the scholarship.
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