SISLT Student Resources

Scholarships & Financial Aid

SISLT students may apply for a variety of financial aid options. To be eligible for financial aid, students must be admitted to a degree-seeking program. Some scholarships also require full-time enrollment.

Assistantships

Graduate assistantships may be available for SISLT students. For information about current opportunities, contact SISLT@missouri.edu.

Scholarships

SISLT graduate student scholarship applications are reviewed once each year in the spring, with awards distributed during the following fall and spring terms. By completing the Graduate Student Scholarship application by April 1, both current and prospective students are automatically considered for all SISLT scholarships for which they are eligible.

Learn more about Graduate Aid in the College of Education & Human Development.

External Scholarships

Additional scholarships are offered through organizations and agencies that support students in library and information science.

Student Organizations

Students in SISLT can connect, collaborate and grow through a variety of student groups and professional associations that support academic, social and career development.

Library and Information Science Graduate Student Association (LISGSA)

The purpose of LISGSA shall be to advance the academic, intellectual, social and professional interests of the Library and Information Science graduate students at the University of Missouri-Columbia. All graduate students enrolled in the Library Information Science program (LIS) shall automatically be members of LISGSA.

Faculty Advisor: Cindy Dudenhoffer

Penny University

Penny University is the academic, intellectual, and social nexus for doctoral students both online and in-person at the University of Missouri’s iSchool. As part of its mission, Penny University offers a safe place for doctoral students to discuss academic and everyday matters. Penny University’s purpose is to provide SISLT doctoral students with a platform where they can discuss a variety of topics from colloquium to camaraderie in both an online and physical environment.

Faculty Advisors: Hyerim Cho and Jenny Bossaller

Beta Phi Mu, Psi Chapter

Beta Phi Mu (BPM), the library and information studies honor society, was founded in August 1948 by a group of leading librarians and library educators to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement among library and information studies students. The name comes from the initials of the Greek words Bibliothekarios philax mathesis, meaning “librarians are the guardians of knowledge.” Eligibility for membership in Beta Phi Mu is by invitation of the faculty from institutions where the American Library Association, or other recognized accrediting agency approved by the Beta Phi Mu Executive Board, has accredited or recognized a professional degree program. There are 36 active chapters of BPM, and more than 30,000 individuals have become members. For more information about national BPM events, scholarships, and awards, visit the BPM website: https://www.betaphimu.org/.

Faculty Advisor: Contact Sarah Buchanan for more information about chapter activities or to request to join the email distribution list. You can also visit the list’s archives or request to join.

Society of American Archivists at University of Missouri Student Chapter (SAAMUSC)

The Society of American Archivists at University of Missouri Student Chapter (SAAMUSC) builds a learning community for students interested in the archival profession. Established 2017, SAAMUSC supports the academic and professional development of graduate students interested in archives, special collections, records, and data management. Join our student chapter to interact with professional archivists, engage in professional activities in the Missouri region, and promote archival interests at University, school, and national meetings.

Faculty Advisor: Sarah Buchanan

There are many organizations and associations that faculty and students join for mentoring opportunities, and eventually to advance into leadership positions. Larger associations often include a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), divisions and round tables, as well as state and regional chapters. Many associations offer students membership at steeply reduced rates, so take advantage of that to advance your career.