[United State] Research Grants for Graduate - University of Illinois Library
The John “Bud” Velde Visiting Scholars Program
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign is the University’s principal repository of rare books and early manuscripts, literary manuscripts, and special collections. Since 2006, the Velde Visting Scholar program has supported researchers wishing to make extensive use of The Rare Book & Manuscript Library’s collections.
This competitive award program was established by the estate of John E. “Bud†Velde, Jr. (1917-2002), a longtime friend of the Library committed to rare book scholarship. Among his many contributions to the Library were the seven-millionth volume, the 1486 edition of Breydenbach’s Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam (Journey to the Holy Land) in 1986, and the eight-millionth volume, Frank Lloyd Wright’s The House Beautiful (1896/97). He also made a considerable contribution to the Audubon Folio Restoration Project in 1987 and established an endowment fund in 1999.
The research strengths of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library are manifold, from medieval to early modern studies––with particular strengths in early printing and printing history, Elizabethan life and letters, John Milton and his age, emblem studies, economic history, works on early science and natural history, and the papers of modern literary figures such as Carl Sandburg, H.G. Wells, William Maxwell, and W.S. Merwin.
AWARDS
Two John “Bud” Velde awards are given annually to facilitate a period of intense individual study –usually one month – in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to all active scholars from graduate students to retired professors. The awards are designed for scholars outside the region in order to help defray the costs of travel and living expenses.
TERMS OF THE AWARD
Each award consists of a stipend of $2,500 to help cover the costs associated with undertaking such a period of study. In addition, awardees are entitled to $500 in reimbursement for travel expenses.
Recipients are responsible for making their own travel and housing arrangements, though information about campus housing will be provided.
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library staff will offer an orientation meeting and a tour of the library. Assistance in using the Library’s collections will be available throughout the study period.
The month-long study period may be scheduled at any time during the year from May 15 of the year in which the award is made through April 30 of the following year.
OBLIGATIONS
Visiting Scholars are expected to conduct their research primarily in the Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Visiting Scholars must reside on campus or within short driving distance during the award period.
If the Visiting Scholar publishes material directly resulting from the study period, the Library will appreciate acknowledgement of the award and library resources in any such publication, as well as copies for our collection.
Within one year of the library visit, John “Bud” Velde Visting Scholars should send a brief written report (1-2 pages) to the Head of The Rare Book & Manuscript Library wherein they describe the results and benefits of the period of intense library use.
OTHER OPPORTUNTIES ON CAMPUS
Visiting Scholars may arrange with departments to offer a lecture or workshop during the grant period. Opportunities also exist for informal discussions with students and faculty.
APPLICATION & DEADLINES
The deadline for applications for the 2007-08 awards is 15 March, 2007. Please send the following information to the address below:
- Curriculum vitae
- A research proposal no more than two pages in length
- Two supporting letters from professional and/or academic references addressing the merits of your proposal (please include names, addresses, email, and telephone numbers)
Send applications to:
Valerie Hotchkiss, Head and Professor of Medieval Studies
The Rare Book & Manuscript Library
University of Illinois Library, Room 346
1408 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
USA
Or email Valerie Hotchkiss.
The selection committee will be comprised of four University of Illinois faculty members. The Head of The Rare Book & Manuscript Library chairs the selection committee. Awards will be announced by May 1, 2007
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