Harriet L. Steuernagel Continuing Education Grant

The Harriet L. Steuernagel Continuing Education Grant provides professional development support to members working in the library and dental profession. In 2000 the MLA Dental Section established the Steuernagel Award to honor longtime member and MLA Fellow Harriet L. Steuernagel. Known as a tireless librarian, she volunteered at Washington University long after her official retirement in 1981 and encouraged those new to the profession to become more active in MLA. Initially funded through a donation from the Alumni Association of the Washington University of Dentistry, the award was elevated to a national level MLA grant in 2021. 

Eligibility

• The applicant must:
  • hold a graduate degree in library science.
  • be a practicing health sciences information professional with at least one year of experience.
  • be working with a dental program and/or with dental resources.
  • be a member of MLA. (membership options)
• The applicant may not have received an MLA grant, scholarship, or other awards within the last year.
• It is preferred that the applicant:
  • be a member of the Dental Caucus. Proof of caucus membership history may be confirmed by contacting MLA Member Services.
  • update their MLA member profile page.

Terms

• The online application must be completed, and all supporting documents uploaded no later than November 15.
• The application should include: 
  • a description of the professional development activity, including scope, duration, and budget.
  • a detailed itemization of the financial support requested.
  • indication of how skills obtained may result in a specific outcome (e.g., planned research project, publication, change in library operations, etc.)
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Awarding of Grant

• No more than one employee per institution per year.
• Not given to support work toward a degree or certificate program.
• One to five grants will be awarded per year, with a maximum (aggregate) award of $500.
• If no applicants meet the minimum general criteria, a grant will not be awarded.

Grant Funds

• The amount requested and actual grant awarded may not necessarily be the same amount.
• The amount reimbursed will not exceed actual expenses and the amount requested.
• The grant will be distributed as a reimbursement for actual expenses incurred, within the limits described above and may include:
  • tuition
  • travel
  • materials
  • the specific research support activity 
• The grant will not exceed $500. 
• Expense statements, receipts, and verification of program completion must be submitted to MLA headquarters.
• The period of disbursement will not exceed one year past the MLA annual conference.

Ready to Submit an Application?

• Applications will open next in August 2023.

Grant Recipients

• 2023: Jennifer Silverman
• 2022: none awarded

Have a question? Contact MLA