SLA-SCC: Sternheim Scholarship

Karen Sternheim Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

The Karen Sternheim Memorial Scholarship was established to provide assistance to a student enrolled in a graduate master’s degree program in library and information studies who intends to pursue a career in special librarianship. The scholarship is awarded annually by the Southern California Chapter of the Special Libraries Association.

Eligibility Guidelines

An applicant must be a permanent resident of California or Nevada (defined as one whose voter’s registration is in California or Nevada and who has a California or Nevada’s driver’s license or the equivalent). An applicant must be enrolled in an ALA accredited masters degree program in library and information studies or provide proof of acceptance to such a program. However, there is no geographic restriction on the school in which the applicant is enrolled. An applicant must demonstrate interest in a career in special libraries.

Procedures

All pieces of the application packet must be received by March 24, 2006. It is expected that all pieces of the application packet are submitted to Lindy Lecaros, Chair, SLA Southern California Chapter Scholarship Committee.

The application packet consists of:

	application form: RTF format
	500 – 1000 word essay discussing the applicant’s interest and experience in special libraries and the contributions he or she hopes to make in special librarianship.
	three letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member, each accompanied by the
	recommendation form: RTF Format
	A copy of your California or Nevada drivers license or voter registration card must be submitted with the essay for proof of residency.

Submit all documents to:

Lindy Lecaros
Jefferies & Company, Inc.
Investment Banking Library
11100 Santa Monica Blvd, 10th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Fax: (310) 575 - 5221
Direct: (310) 575 - 5269
Llecaros@Jefferies.com

All paperwork and deliberations by the Scholarship Committee shall be confidential. Application materials will be accepted by mail, email, or fax. The Scholarship Committee will not consider an incomplete application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by the due date. Applicants who have questions about what documents have been received by the committee may contact the committee chair.

Criteria for Evaluation

The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applicants based on their scholastic records, their written statements and the statements in their references. Although transcripts from undergraduate institutions are not required, applicants are asked to indicate their undergraduate GPA on the application form. In addition, the written comments from references, as pertaining to applicants’ scholastic abilities will be taken into account. The coherency of the applicant’s written statements, including style and grammar, will also be considered in the evaluation process.

Committee

The Scholarship Committee is made up of Lindy Lecaros, Rita Costello, and Robin Dodge.

Past Scholarship Recipients

	2006		Katherine Shilton, UCLA
	2005		Peggy Shin, UCLA
	2004		John Juricek, UCLA
	2003		Christy Thomas, UCLA
	2002		Natalie Joy Kamper, UCLA
	2001		Aura Lippincott, UCLA
	2000		Natasha Bergson-Michelson, San Jose State University
	2000		Laurie C. Blasingame, San Jose State University
	1999		Heather Lynne Hepler, University of North Texas
	1998		Cathy Spitzer, University of Texas
	1997		Kim Laru, San Jose State University
	1996		Sharlene Matshuara, Simmons College

Karen Sternheim Memorial Scholarship

SLA Southern California Chapter Web Site