Guidelines, Application and Referee Forms

The Margery C Ramsay and Barrett Reid Scholarships are awarded biennially (alternating each year) by the Library Board of Victoria to a Victorian public library staff member for their leadership development.

The Board’s responsibilities in relation to public libraries are defined in the Libraries Act 1998. They include a responsibility ‘to oversee cooperation in programs with libraries and information organisations to promote access to library and information resources’ and a responsibility ‘to exercise leadership and promote high standards in the provision of library and information services’. Awarding the Margery C Ramsay and Barrett Reid Scholarships is one way in which the Board promotes high standards in the public library sector.

Value

The 2009 Barrett Reid Scholarship is valued at $30,000.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• be employed within the Victorian public library industry (but not necessarily as a qualified librarian or manager)
• have a proven record of motivation, interest and commitment to the values of librarianship and public libraries.

Applicants who have previously applied, unsuccessfully, may apply again or resubmit previous applications.

Applicants who have been previously successful in applying for the Ramsay and Reid Scholarships may reapply after a period of five years.

Scope

The scope of the scholarships is very broad. They may be used for:

• further education, such as short courses in librarianship, management or leadership 
• attendance at a conference or forum
• a secondment or internship
• visiting or studying library services in Australia or overseas
• investigating issues relevant and important to the future of Victorian public library services.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the scholarship administrators to discuss the viability and feasibility of proposals.

All proposals must provide an opportunity for self-development, benefit to the applicant’s employing institution and benefit to the Victorian public library sector as a whole.

Scholarship monies cannot be used to purchase computer equipment.

Applications

Applications must be submitted using the Scholarship’s application template and include:

• a detailed description of the scope of the application
• clear objectives
• performance indicators, by which the success of the proposed program will be evaluated
• key outcomes and benefits to the applicant
• key outcomes and benefits to the employing authority
• key outcomes and benefits to the Victorian library industry
• rationale supporting the applicant’s selection of the program described
• a budget, including other funding contributions as applicable
• commitment from or contact with the organisations to be visited or worked with
• a timeframe for completion of the proposed program, starting no earlier than November of the same year
• strategy for communication of the outcomes of the Scholarship
• applicant’s ability to implement the program or proposal
• a two-page summary curriculum vitae that indicates highlights and achievements to date
• written letter of support of the applicant by the Chief Executive of the applicant's council/regional library corporation indicating the employer's willingness to allow time for attendance at the proposed course, study tour, conference or internship.

Referees

Two letters of recommendation, on the attached form, by referees chosen by the applicant are required. These references will be confidential and are to be mailed directly to the scholarship administrators by the referees. The Administrator on behalf of the selection panel may contact the referees for further information.

Conditions

Within six months of completion of the program identified in the scholarship proposal the scholarship recipient must forward a brief overview report summarising the outcomes and the personal learning experience. This report will be submitted to the Advisory Committee on Public Libraries, and include an acquittal of funds.

The scholarship recipient will be expected to negotiate with the scholarship administrators a program designed to share their enhanced skills through a process of networking with library industry personnel to maximise the collective benefits of the scholarships.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by a panel representing both the Library Board of Victoria and Viclink, the peak body for public libraries in Victoria.

Applicants may be asked to provide more information in written form about their proposals.

Interviews may be arranged for short-listed applicants.

The Library Board of Victoria reserves the right not to award the scholarships.

Forms

Please note applications for the Ramsay and Reid scholarships closed on Friday 14 August 2009.

Inquiries

Inquiries should be directed to:
Reid Scholarship Administrator
Public Libraries Division
State Library of Victoria
Tel 03 8664 7411 or cmilward-bason@slv.vic.gov.au