LAURA EDWARDS (1943-1996) epitomized professional involvement, dedication and commitment to the library profession. Laura's sparkling personality and boundless energy level was a source of joy to students, teachers, librarians, and vendors of library resources. Within her service to the Texas Library Association Laura served as Chairperson of both the Texas Association of School Librarians, and Children's Round Table. Committee positions included: TASL Student Library Assistant and Texas Bluebonnet Award. Laura was nominated to serve as President of TLA in 1993. Within the American Library Association Laura served on the School Library Media Program Development, National School Library Media Month and the ALSC Newbery Award Committees. Because she believed in and actively supported professional involvement the Texas Library Association the Laura Edwards Memorial Stipend was established to honor her memory.

OBJECTIVE

The Children's Round Table and the Texas Association of School Librarians joint Scholarship Committee will annually award Stipends of $400.00 for librarians involved in youth service, either in a school or public library in Texas. The objective of the TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend is to encourage membership and participation in the Texas Association of School Librarians (TASL), Children's Round Table (CRT) and the Texas Library Association (TLA). Recipients will gain insight into the organization and work of these groups through attendance at committee meetings and participation in the annual TLA conference.

FUNDING

At the 1996 TLA Conference the Executive Boards of both TASL and CRT approved the establishment of the Laura Edwards Memorial TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend. Approval was given for the contribution of a portion of the ticket cost (an amount of fifty cents [$.50]) per person attending each of the meal functions hosted at the TLA Conference by CRT and TASL. This will maintain a continuing fund for the Stipend. Donations from individuals, in memory of Laura Edwards, will also continue to be accepted by TLA, TASL, and CRT to fund this memorial. The number of Stipends given each year will vary depending upon the money in the Laura Edwards TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend fund.

FUND ADMINISTRATION

Chairpersons of CRT and TASL will annually name a joint Laura Edwards TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend Committee composed of members from both TASL and CRT. The Chairmanship of the Committee will alternate each year between TASL and CRT. The Chairperson will remain on the Committee for two years to provide continuity.

STIPEND APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be employed in a Texas public school or public library in a position directly involved with young people.
2. Must agree to apply a portion of the stipend for TLA dues, if not already a member. Must agree to become a member of CRT and TASL.
3. Must be a first-time attendee to a TLA Conference.
4. Must agree to attend and be recognized at the Bluebonnet luncheon and business meetings of both TASL and CRT.
5. Must agree to work three hours as a volunteer during the TLA Conference.
6. Must agree to submit a report and evaluation of the TLA Conference, stating objectives for conference attendance, what was gained from attendance, and how this knowledge can be put to use in the librarian's work. This report must be written and submitted to the CRT/TASL Scholarship Committee Chairperson within 30 days following the Conference.

COMMITTEE TIMELINE

August 15--Copies of the application form, with a letter outlining the requirements will be mailed to TLA District Chairpersons, System Coordinators, Texas Association of School Library Administrators (TASLA), and TLA for inclusion in TLACast, Library Developments, the Electronic Library, the Texas Library Journal, included in the newsletters of both TASL and CRT, and to all Texas Schools of Library and Information Science.

December 19--Application deadline (postmark)

January 5--The Committee Chairperson will duplicate applications and mail to committee members for review of applications. Committee members will rank the applications, using a criteria chart to determine successful applicants.

January 20--Committee members will contact the Chairperson, giving rank order of applicants.

January 31--Chairpersons will send letters to applicants selected to receive a stipend and notify those who were not chosen. Notice will also be sent to the TLA office so that conference registration and membership forms can be forwarded to recipients.

April--Stipend recipients will be introduced at the CRT and TASL business meetings during the TLA Conference.

May--Stipend recipients will send their Conference Report to the Chairperson within thirty (30) days following the TLA Conference.

EVALUATION of APPLICATIONS

The application, together with evaluation, may be returned to applicant, if requested.

Guidelines

1. Demonstrates interest in professional development.
   Criteria: attendance at workshops, literature conferences, district meetings.
2. Demonstrates commitment to libraries
   Criteria: Membership in some professional association, area TLA, CRT, TASL, attendance at regional library workshops, letter of recommendation
3. Good written communication skills.
   Criteria: Evaluation of application
4. Never attended a TLA Conference.
   Criteria : Completes statement in application certifying non attendance
5. Stipend awards, if possible, will be made to applicants from libraries in all parts of the state, from all sizes of libraries and from both public and school.
   Criteria: A map of Texas, indicating location of library will accompany application.
6. Financial situation of application will be considered.
   Criteria: Number of years in position, family responsibilities, no assistance from employer for travel.
7. Applicant's chance of continued involvement with TLA.
   Criteria: Career goals, plans to pursue advanced degrees.

DISTRIBUTION of STIPEND

One-half of the Stipend amount, or $200.00, shall be made available to the Stipend recipients prior to the TLA Conference. The recipients shall contact the TLA office for this advance in order to help defray pre-conference expenses. The remaining amount, or S200.00, will be awarded following receipt of the conference reports by the CRT/TASL Laura Edwards TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend Committee Chairperson. The request for this amount is made by the Scholarship Chairperson to the TLA office.

AN IMPORTANT GIFT YOU CAN GIVE

Those of you who read these guidelines will play an important role in continuing to help achieve growth in our association through identifying librarians who will benefit from membership in TLA CRT and TASL. Please pass these guidelines on to new librarians in your area. Through the gift of your time, identifying librarians who will benefit from this stipend, you give a gift to our profession. Our committee thanks you for your assistance.

For additional information, contact Megan Cooper, Scholarship Chair. 

Copyright 2008 by Texas Association of School Librarians