APALA Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant

Deadline extended to February 28th, 2003

Applicant Guidelines

The APALA Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant is an annual, juried award of up to $1,000 to an APALA member to engage in a research activity which contributes to the field of library and information science in general and APA librarianship in particular. The grant award may be used for conducting research projects, attending research related conferences and workshops, or conducting research workshops and programs. The award is presented to the recipient at APALA's Annual program by the President.

Eligibility Criteria for the Award

1. Grant applicants must be APALA members in good standing, have been APALA members for at least one year prior to applying, and agree to continue their APALA membership during the term of the grant.

2. Grant applicants must possess an MLS/MLIS degree, and currently be employed in a professional position in library science or a related field.

3. Current recipients of any other APALA grant or scholarship are ineligible for the Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant. Former recipients of the Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant are ineligible for five years.

4. Grant applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America.

Application Form

5. A complete grant application shall consist of:

a) a cover letter: stating name, mailing address, email, current position, current employer, and specific compliance with these guidelines;

b) a resume or curriculum vita;

c) a detailed statement of intended research activities including a budget and plans not to exceed five pages in length; and

d) optionally, letters of recommendation or institutional commitment of resources.

6. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications must be submitted to the Executive Director of APALA by February 28th of the award year.

Dr. Ling Hwey Jeng,
APALA
3735 Palomar Centre, Ste
150, PMB 26, Lexington, KY 40513.

Application Evaluation

7. Applicants research activities will be evaluated on the basis of:

a) contribution to library science or a related field;

b) contribution to the understanding of issues specific to the information needs of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, or to the needsof Asian and Pacific Islander information professionals in the United States;

c) comprehensiveness of expression, including a realistic budget;

d) resources available and specified, including computer services and statistical assistance if appropriate;

e) feasibility and schedule, including the competency of the researcher;

f) methodology for final evaluation of research activities and report production.

8. No grant will be awarded for personal use. No award may be used to attend professional association conferences.

Application Conditions

9. The Grant award recipient agrees as a condition of the grant to submit to APALA's Executive Director, both a written progress report by the following APALA Midwinter meeting, and a final written report on outcomes of the research activities by the following APALA Annual program. Grantees are highly encouraged to seek publication of their results in a professional journal.