Applications are now being accepted for a travel grant funded through the generosity of the national Music Library Association (MLA). The grant supports travel, meeting registration, hotel and subsistence expenses to attend the National Meeting of MLA in Newport, Rhode Island, February 17-24, 2008. Please note that music library paraprofessionals/support professionals and library school students are among those eligible for this opportunity and are encouraged to apply.

The chapter will match funds to provide support for up to four members at a maximum of $500.00 per attendee.

Applicants must reside in one of the states or territories comprising ATMLA (West Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia), and also be in at least one of the following eligible categories:

a) A graduate library school student (by the time of the meeting) aspiring to become a music librarian;

b) A recent graduate (within one year of degree) of a graduate program in librarianship who is seeking a professional position as a music librarian;

c) A music librarian (holding a Master of Library Science degree or qualifications granting an equivalent status at her/his employing institution, e.g. a certified archivist with other graduate degree working extensively with music materials) in the first two years of her/his professional career, or;

d) A library paraprofessional/support professional working with music materials as a significant portion of his/her job responsibilities.

Applicants must submit the following to arrive by December 1, 2007:

1. A letter of application which includes an explanation of the reasons for attending the meeting, a justification of financial need, and a budget. For those applicants currently working in libraries or archives, justification of financial need must include evidence that one has sought financial support from one’s employing institution to attend the meeting and that such request was either denied or insufficiently met;

2. A current résumé or vita;

3. Two letters of support. Where applicable, one of the letters should be from a current supervisor.

Hotel accommodations will be funded at the double-occupancy rate, i.e. one-half of the daily rate plus tax.

Mail application and supporting materials to arrive by December 1, 2007 to:

Mary Prendergast
Chair, ATMLA
University of Virginia
Old Cabell Hall
PO Box 40175
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4175

If you have questions regarding the grant or the application process, please contact Mary at mrp2n@virginia.edu or 434-243-8713.

Recipients will be notified by December 15, 2007 and announced on ATMLA-L, the chapter’s electronic discussion list, immediately thereafter. Recipients who are not already members of ATMLA are expected to join before receiving their award. Annual student/paraprofessional membership in ATMLA is currently only $7.00; membership for librarians is $12.00.

Please note that ATMLA may elect to pay directly for travel and hotel expenses on the recipient’s behalf and only supply the balance (if any) of an award following the meeting. If mileage for a personal vehicle is awarded, it will be reimbursed at the current IRS rate.

ATMLA is grateful for the support provided by MLA to its regional chapters. It is our hope that this support of chapter members who are beginning their careers or whose abilities to travel to meetings are compromised by lack of institutional funding or other circumstances will assist MLA in meeting the ongoing recruitment and continuing education objectives outlined in MLA’s Plan 2001.