Youth Services Section | Ann Gibson Scholarship

About

This scholarship is given annually to honor the memory of Ann Gibson, a dynamic and dedicated librarian, storyteller, and teacher, in recognition of her many contributions to the field of youth service librarianship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a person who has chosen to pursue graduate studies that will lead to New York State certification as a youth specialist in a public library or school media center.

Ann’s career in Western New York was spent in public libraries and several colleges and universities. As a founding member of the Genesee Storytellers, Gibson provided in-service training in children’s literature for librarians and teachers. She was a guiding force in the University of Rochester’s annual storytelling conference. Ann was also an active volunteer for local charities involving children with special needs. The Ann Gibson scholarship is a memorial to Ann’s passionate abilities to share her love of children’s literature and the art of storytelling with thousands of children and adults.

Amount

$1,000

Application

2024 Application forthcoming

Annual Deadline

May 31

Contact

For further information or to submit your application materials,
please contact the Scholarship Committee Chair.

 

Requirements

1. Applicant must be a full-time or part-time graduate library student seeking to further their education in services to young people and have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours towards the MLS.

2. Applicant must be a regular or student member of NYLA/YSS at the time of submitting the application.

3. Applicant must be directing their course of study towards youth services.

4. Applicant must NOT be an officer or employee, or relative of an officer or employee, of the New York Library Association, New York Library Association Council, or the Executive Board of the Youth Services Section of the New York Library Association.

5. Applicant must not have completed their course work prior to December of the year of the award.

6. Applicant must be a resident of (or employed in) New York State at the time of the award.

Criteria to Judge Recipient

1. Two supporting statements that document the applicant’s competence and commitment to youth services librarianship.

2. Involvement (i.e., membership, attendance) in organizations, conferences, and publications related to youth services librarianship.

3. A transcript from an accredited library school that documents the applicant’s good academic standing and completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours.

4. The winning applicant must be willing to share her/his educational experience in some form following the YSS Spring Conference.

Narrative Statement

Please present a brief statement that cites relevant experience you have had in youth services and your philosophy and/or future goals in terms of youth services librarianship.

Please email the following application materials to the current scholarship chair:

  • Completed application form
  • Two supporting statements
  • Transcript(s)
  • Narrative statement
  • Verification of current NYLA membership