AAAL Professional Development Award

In 2026, AAAL will be offering 3 PD Awards of $400 each. Applications are now open and will run until March 17th, 2026

About the award:

Up to $400 will be made available biannually to library staff & professionals from AAAL member institutions to help cover expenses to attend and present at either the AAAL Fall meeting or the Annual General Meeting each Spring. Library students are also eligible to apply.

NEW THIS YEAR – One award is reserved for a library staff member in non-librarian positions (library assistants, pages, library tech and librarian student workers, library technicians, information specialists, etc).

Application Criteria:

  • The applicant’s institution must be an AAAL member, and the applicant must work in a library or learning commons area. Exception: Students in MLIS or LIT programs are eligible to apply. Students do not have to be from AAAL member institutions, but they must show proof of enrollment in a library school program.
  • Priority will be given to applicants presenting a session/workshop at an AAAL meeting; however, this is not a requirement.  (See application process below for details).
  • One award is specifically awarded to a library staff member in non-librarian positions (library assistants, pages, library tech and librarian student workers, library technicians, information specialists, etc). Generally these roles have less access to PD funding leading to less participation in AAAL Spring in-person meetings. This award would allow for increased participation and reduce barriers to them attending our events. Library Staff in non-librarian roles are eligible for all of the three awards, but this ensures that one of the awards is specifically for them.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Expenses to attend an AAAL meeting (lodging, travel, meals);
  • Peripheral Support – Expenses incurred to facilitate online or participate in online AAAL professional development activities.  This can include equipment (headsets, monitors and other device or technology upgrades) or software, and relevant application or subscription fees.

Application Process:

Approximately 2 months prior to each AAAL meeting an AAAL Professional Development Award application form is sent to AAAL members and posted on the AAAL blog. The proposal submission form asks applicants to express interest in being considered for this award due to financial need and lack to access to workplace professional development funding. Applicants are asked to include the following information:

  • Amount of money requested with a detailed budget (should not exceed $400.00). It is possible that the award granted will not equal the total amount requested.
  • For students, proof of enrollment in an accredited Master of Library and Information Studies or Library Information Technology program is required.
  • Information about current funding support to participate in professional development activities from their employer or academic institution.
  • Has not received funding from AAAL in the past 2 years
  • Whether or not the applicant has also submitted to present at the AAAL meeting. This application needs to be submitted separately, and these applicants will be given priority when determining an awardee. A call for presenters is sent out at approximately the same time as the PD Award application.

Award Process:

  • All eligible submissions expressing interest in the Professional Development Award received by the deadline will be considered by the Professional Development Committee and the Workshop Committee.
  • Notification of awards granted will be sent out approximately three weeks before the scheduled AAAL meeting.
  • Funding will be provided as reimbursement for actual expenses (transportation, lodging, meals). Mileage (if applicable) will be paid at a rate of $0.50/km. Receipts for technology upgrades.
  • The award recipient will be required to present receipts to the AAAL Treasurer at which time an e-transfer will be issued in the recipient’s name.
  • If awarded to a session/workshop presenter, the presenter must also submit a copy of any presentation materials (e.g. a PowerPoint, handout, summary document) to the Workshop Committee within one (1) month following their presentation. These materials will be posted on the AAAL website.

The AAAL Executive reserves the right to grant one or several awards each year.

For more information, contact the AAAL Chair.