Fellowships

Horatio Alger Fellowship for the Study of American Popular Culture

The NIU Libraries, with funding provided by the Horatio Alger Society, offers a fellowship to scholars who wish to come to NIU to conduct research using the Libraries’ major holdings in American popular culture. These holdings include the nation’s preeminent collections related to Horatio Alger, Jr. and Edward Stratemeyer. The Albert Johannsen and Edward T. LeBlanc Collections of more than 50,000 dime novels, as well as the complementary Merriwell Collection, are also eligible for research under this fellowship. Other possible collections for examination include our comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature, Lovecraft Collection, and the American Popular Literature Collection.

Scholars from multiple disciplines, such as English, American Studies, History of the Book, U.S. History, Communications, and Rhetoric might consider applying for this award. Our fictional materials provide insight into publishing of popular materials as well as the ideological points of view of writers and readers from the middle of the 19th century continuing through the 20th. Previous research topics include reader response, the plight of urban children, images of the American West in popular literature, widespread use of pseudonyms, and stereotypical portrayals. The fellowship provides up to $2,000 to a visiting scholar. Travel arrangements will be made by the recipient. They will submit a budget as part of the application. They will be reimbursed after the fellowship is completed.

Fellowship Terms and Expectations

  • Fellows will present a talk for NIU, either in person or virtually, on the results of their research within 1 year of completing the fellowship.
  • Fellows will be encouraged to deposit scholarship resulting from the fellowship into the Huskie Commons Institutional Repository.
  • Fellows will credit the Endowment and NIU Libraries in publications resulting from their research.
  • NIU Libraries will provide a workspace in the library.
  • Library faculty and staff will provide research assistance to the fellows.

Eligibility

Faculty members, independent scholars, graduate students, and librarians currently based in or outside the United States are eligible to apply. For non-US based international scholars, NIU Libraries will provide a letter of invitation that the visiting scholar may use for administrative purposes. However, the awarded scholar is responsible for their own travel arrangements including any requirements related to travel and residency documentation, fees, taxes, transportation, and accommodations.

Timeline

Applications are accepted February 1 - April 15, and the successful applicant will be informed of the decision by May 1, with the fellowship to take place the following June - May. Fellows can work at NIU for up to 30 days.

Apply

Complete the form and email a current CV and one (1) letter of recommendation no later than April 15, 2024. Applicants or interested parties can contact us with further inquiries.

 

Dr. James B. Pick and Dr. Rosalyn Laudati Rare Books and Special Collections Fellowships

Northern Illinois University Libraries invites applications from scholars to conduct research using the Rare Books and Special Collections at our campus location in DeKalb, Illinois. The fellowship is funded by the Dr. James B. Pick and Dr. Rosalyn Laudati Endowment at NIU, and provides up to $1,000 to support a visiting fellow. Travel arrangements will be made by the recipient. They will submit a budget as part of the application. They will be reimbursed after the fellowship is completed. Please visit the Rare Books and Special Collections website for more information on its holdings.

Fellowship Terms and Expectations

  • Fellows will present a talk for NIU, either in person or virtually, on the results of their research within 1 year of completing the fellowship.
  • Fellows will be encouraged to deposit scholarship resulting from the fellowship into the Huskie Commons Institutional Repository.
  • Fellows will credit the Endowment and NIU Libraries in publications resulting from their research.
  • NIU Libraries will provide a workspace in the library.
  • Library faculty and staff will provide research assistance to the fellows.

Eligibility

Faculty members, independent scholars, graduate students, and librarians currently based in or outside the United States are eligible to apply. For non-US based international scholars, NIU Libraries will provide a letter of invitation that the visiting scholar may use for their administrative purposes. However, the awarded scholar is responsible for their own travel arrangements including any requirements related to travel and residency documentation, fees, taxes, transportation, and accommodations.

Timeline

Applications are accepted February 1 - April 15, and the successful applicant will be informed of the decision by May 1, with the fellowship to take place the following June - May. Fellows can work at NIU for up to 30 days.

Apply

Complete the form and email a current CV and one (1) letter of recommendation no later than April 15, 2024. Applicants or interested parties can contact us with further inquiries.

 

NIU Student Scholar Rare Books and Special Collections Fellowships

NIU Libraries is offering three (3) student scholar fellowships of $500 each from the Horatio Alger Society and Pick-Laudati endowments during the 2023-2024 funding cycle. These awards support research projects based on the Rare Books and Special Collections holdings at NIU Libraries. With their application, interested student scholars will submit a brief abstract (250-300 words) that describes their research plan and its relevance to RBSC’s collections. Please visit the Rare Books and Special Collections website for more information on its holdings. 

Fellowship Terms and Expectations:

  • Fellows will present a talk for NIU, either in person or virtually, on their research project.
  • Fellows will be encouraged to deposit scholarship resulting from the fellowship into the Huskie Commons Institutional Repository.
  • Fellows will credit the Endowment(s) and NIU Libraries in any publications resulting from their research.
  • NIU Libraries will provide a workspace in the library.
  • Library faculty and staff will provide research assistance to the fellows. 

Eligibility

The fellowships are open only to students enrolled at Northern Illinois University (any campus) at the time of application and during the fellowship's primary activity. While applicants from any department or disciplinary areas are welcome, applicants must be either rising seniors or graduate students. 

Timeline

Applications are accepted from February 1 - April 15, and the successful applicants will be notified by May 15. Fellowship research activity will take place the following Spring semester from August - December and the funds will be awarded before the finals week. Student scholar presentations will be given the following Spring semester from January - May.

Apply

Complete the form and email a current CV and one (1) letter of recommendation from an instructor, academic advisor, or another individual familiar with your research interests and/or your academic background, no later than April 15, 2024. Applicants or interested parties can contact us with further inquiries.

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