Mary K. Haver Consumer Health Professional Development Grant

Consumer and Patient Health Information Services Professional Development Grant provides members working in consumer health librarianship with the support needed for educational activities. Initially funded through the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section (CAPHIS) of the MLA, the award was elevated to a national level grant in 2021. This grant may be used to attend conferences, obtain training, or take continuing education classes.

Eligibility

• The applicant must:
  • hold a graduate degree in library science.
  • be a practicing health sciences information professional or transitioning between career paths and/or employment opportunities.
  • have at least two years of experience in consumer health librarianship or Level I Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) certification.
  • 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 Consumer and Patient Health Information Services 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.)
  • The name of one reference the jury may contact. 
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • In the case of support for scientific research:
    • describe the research project including title, goals, objectives, methodology, budget, the project’s contribution to the field of library and information practice, and identification of a research mentor.
    • show how the educational program or research project will aid in achieving objectives set forth in the educational policy and research policy statements referenced above.

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 four grants will be awarded per year, with a maximum (aggregate) award of $1000.
• 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 $1000. 
• 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: Judith Marie Griggs, AHIP and Arlene Haessler
• 2022: none awarded

Have a question? Contact MLA