Western Libraries-FIMS MLIS Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Students

A student in a Western hoodie stands among library stacksWestern Libraries and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) are committed to increasing diversity within librarianship and the information profession. During the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years, we are partnering to offer the Western Libraries–FIMS Master of Library and Information Science Fellowships for Black and Indigenous Students. The goal is to recruit and support applicants who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or Black and to help them develop a foundation for future professional success. Fellows will receive an award covering the cost of tuition and fees for three full-time terms of the FIMS MLIS program. They will also receive experiential learning and mentorship opportunities through a two-term, paid, on campus, co-op placement within Western Libraries.

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Indigenous applicants will be required to comply with Western's MAPP policy 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University. Successful Fellows will demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a desire to build a career in libraries and the information profession. The recipients will be selected in accordance with the FIMS Awards and Scholarships Policy and in consultation with Western Libraries.

Fellowship information

Value

Two (2) awards per year at $12,000 (three full-time terms of tuition and fees) and up to 1,120 hours of work at a rate of $27.10/hour over two terms within a functional area of Western Libraries, per award.

Eligibility

Fellowship Eligibility

  • Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status in Canada
  • Acceptance into the MLIS program at Western University (fall term, hybrid cohort)
  • Fellowship winners must remain in good standing in the program, including meeting progression requirements of the program and the eligibility requirements of co-op

Applications and Instructions

Applicants must complete the application form. The application form will request submission of the following:

  • Cover letter, demonstrating academic achievement, community involvement, and a desire to build a career in librarianship and the information profession. (approximately 500 words);
  • One letter of recommendation from an instructor, supervisor (past or present), or a member of the community;

**For Indigenous applicants: please also complete and submit the Student Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership form, as required by MAPP Policy 1.58.


The following elements are not required for applicants:

  • A resume/cv is optional, but not required;
  • A university transcript is not required;
  • Previous experience working in libraries, archives, museums, or cultural institutions is not required

Timeline

The deadline to apply is July 1, 2026. Successful fellows will be notified by September 1, 2026.