Tag Archives: Robert L. Oakley Memorial Scholarship

In recognition of his life accomplishments and contributions, the American Library Association and the Library Copyright Alliance have established the Robert L. Oakley Memorial Scholarship to support research and advanced study for librarians in their early-to-mid-careers who are interested and/or active in the fields that Robert Oakley was expert in—intellectual property, public policy, copyright and their impacts on libraries and the ways libraries serve their communities.

Professor and law librarian Robert Oakley was an expert on copyright law and wrote and lectured on the subject. He served on the Library Copyright Alliance representing the American Association of Law Librarians (AALL) and played a leading role in advocating for U.S. libraries and the public they serve at many international forums including those of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  He served as the United States delegate to the International Federation of Library Associations  Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights from 1997-2003.  Mr. Oakley testified before Congress on copyright, open access, library appropriations and free access to government documents and was a member of the Library of Congress’ Section 108 Study Group. A valued colleague and mentor for numerous librarians, Oakley was a recognized leader in law librarianship and library management who also maintained  a profound commitment to public policy and the rights of library users.

A $1,000 scholarship to encourage and expand interest in and knowledge of these aspects of librarianship, as well as bring the next generation of advocates, lobbyists and scholars to the forefront with opportunities they might not otherwise have will be awarded annually to an individual or a team of individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

Highest consideration will be given to applicants who are librarian(s) in their early-to-mid-careers.  They must demonstrate interest in or be professional actively in copyright and public policy and their impacts on libraries and the ways libraries serve their communities.

Applicants should provide a statement of intent for use of the scholarship funds.  Such a statement should include the applicant’s interest and background in intellectual property, public policy, and/or copyright and their impacts on libraries and the ways libraries serve their communities.  The statement should include information about how the applicant and the library community will benefit from the applicant’s receipt of scholarship.  Statements should be no longer than 3 pages (1000 words).

The applicant’s resume or curriculum vitae should be included in their application.

Applications must be submitted via e-mail to Carrie Russell, crussell AT alawash DOT org by March 1, 2012.

Awardees may receive the Robert L. Oakley Memorial Scholarship up to two (2) times in a lifetime. Funds may be used for equipment, expendable supplies, travel necessary to conduct, attend conferences, release from library duties or other reasonable and appropriate research expenses.

A Review Committee will be made up of the members selected by the Library Copyright Alliance (LCA), with one representative each from the collaborating associations: American Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, and the Association of Research Libraries.  ALA Washington Office will oversee jury selection.