UCLA Library Special Collections Research Fellowships 2027

UCLA Library Special Collections (LSC) is offering Research Fellowships for 2027, providing funding to support scholars and artists. These fellowships are designed for individuals whose projects would greatly benefit from in-person research using LSC’s unique collections. Applications are open to a wide range of researchers, including those working on projects related to marginalized groups, as well as artists and activists.

Application Closing Date: December 1, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Programme Duration: 2 to 6 weeks, or 1 to 3 months depending on the fellowship
Stipend: Up to $5,000 depending on the fellowship
Opportunity Type: Research Fellowship

About the UCLA Library Special Collections Research Fellowships

The UCLA Library Special Collections (LSC) Research Fellowships aim to support scholarly and creative inquiry by providing financial assistance for researchers to access and utilize LSC’s extensive collections. These fellowships are intended to help cover travel and other expenses associated with conducting research on-site. LSC specifically encourages projects that focus on materials representing marginalized and stigmatized groups, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in research.

The fellowships are open to more than just traditional academics. Artists, activists, and individuals engaged in various forms of inquiry are encouraged to apply, provided their projects can be significantly advanced by using primary source materials held by LSC. Awardees are expected to complete their research within the awarded calendar year and may be asked to contribute to an outreach activity related to their project.

About UCLA Library Special Collections

UCLA Library Special Collections (LSC) is a significant repository of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other unique materials. It serves as a vital resource for researchers worldwide, offering access to a diverse range of primary source materials. LSC’s collections span various subjects and historical periods, supporting in-depth research and scholarly exploration.

The collections at LSC are managed to preserve their integrity while making them accessible to researchers. The library is committed to supporting scholarship that engages with its unique holdings, fostering new discoveries and interpretations across many academic disciplines.

Available Research Fellowships

UCLA Library Special Collections offers several distinct fellowships, each with specific focuses and funding levels:

• James and Sylvia Thayer Short-Term Research Fellowships: These fellowships provide funding for research in any collection within UCLA Library Special Collections. Preference is given to graduate students enrolled at UCLA. Multiple fellowships of $3,000 are awarded annually to support research lasting one to three months.
• Kenneth Karmiole Endowed Research Fellowship in UCLA Library Special Collections: This fellowship supports visiting scholars and graduate students using materials in LSC. One annual fellowship of $5,000 is available for research lasting one to three months.
• Barbara Rootenberg Short-term Research Fellowship in the History of Medicine and the Life Sciences: This fellowship encourages the use of materials within the History & Special Collections for the Sciences. One annual fellowship of $1,000 is awarded to support research lasting two to six weeks.

What the Fellowships Offer

Successful fellowship recipients will receive financial support to conduct their research. The awards are intended to help offset costs such as travel, accommodation, and other research-related expenses. By providing this funding, LSC enables researchers to dedicate focused time to working with its valuable collections.

Fellows will gain direct access to rare and unique materials that are essential for their projects. This hands-on experience with primary sources can lead to significant advancements in their research, publications, or creative works. Additionally, fellows may have the opportunity to engage with the UCLA academic community and contribute to public outreach.

Programme Duration and Location

The duration of the fellowships varies depending on the specific award. The James and Sylvia Thayer fellowships and the Kenneth Karmiole fellowship support research periods of one to three months. The Barbara Rootenberg fellowship is for shorter research periods, lasting from two to six weeks. All research must be conducted on-site at UCLA Library Special Collections in Los Angeles, California.

Minimum Requirements

Eligibility for the UCLA Library Special Collections Research Fellowships is limited to United States citizens and permanent residents who have the legal right to work in the U.S. Applicants can apply for more than one fellowship, but each requires a separate application form. The fellowships are open to individuals whose research can benefit from materials held by UCLA Library Special Collections, with some fellowships having specific subject matter preferences.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not explicitly listed, successful applicants will likely demonstrate strong research skills, a clear understanding of how LSC collections are relevant to their project, and the ability to articulate their research goals effectively. Applicants should be able to propose a project that significantly benefits from on-site access to primary source materials. A well-defined project proposal and a supportive reference are also important.

Who Should Apply?

These fellowships are ideal for graduate students, scholars, artists, and activists who require access to primary source materials for their research or creative projects. If your work involves historical documents, manuscripts, rare books, or other unique collections related to the history of medicine, life sciences, or other areas covered by LSC, and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you should consider applying. The program particularly welcomes applications that focus on materials representing marginalized groups.

Required Documents

To apply for an LSC Research Fellowship, applicants must submit a fellowship application form along with the following documents:

• An abbreviated Curriculum Vitae (CV) that is under two pages.
• A project proposal, also under two pages. This proposal should include the project title and format, a general description or abstract, and a detailed explanation of why UCLA Library Special Collections materials are essential for the project’s progress or completion.
• Contact information for one reference who can speak to the applicant’s work, proposed project, or research capabilities.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply for an LSC Research Fellowship by completing the fellowship application form. The application form and further details can be found via the provided link. Applicants should ensure they have prepared their CV, project proposal, and reference contact information before starting the application process.

Click here to apply for the UCLA Library Special Collections Research Fellowships 2027

For more detailed information about the fellowships and the collections, please visit the official UCLA Library Special Collections website.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding their application status. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their project proposal clearly demonstrates the necessity of using UCLA Library Special Collections materials. All research must be completed within the awarded calendar year, and fellows are expected to participate in an outreach activity.

Closing Date

The application closing date for the UCLA Library Special Collections Research Fellowships 2027 is December 1, 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this deadline.

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