The Bibliographical Society of America is a membership organization that has fostered the study of books and other textual artifacts since 1904. The BSA New Scholars Program and fellowships nurture new research in the field and support contributions by emerging bibliographers.
Bibliographical projects may range chronologically from the study of clay tablets and papyrus rolls to contemporary print, manuscript, and born-digital materials. Topics relating to texts in any field and of any period are eligible for consideration as long as they include analysis of the physical object as historical evidence.
New Scholars Program
The Bibliographical Society of America (BSA) New Scholars Program strives to welcome researchers who have not previously published, lectured, or taught on bibliographical subjects by nurturing and promoting their scholarship. Each year, three New Scholars receive a cash award of $1,000, a $500 travel stipend, and the opportunity to present their work by participating in a two-pronged program.
Eligibility
- Booksellers, librarians, curators, collectors, junior (i.e., untenured) academics, graduate students at the dissertation level, and independent scholars are all welcome to apply. BSA encourages applications from individuals of any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status.
- The New Scholars award is limited to US citizens and visa holders. Visa holders must be able to earn money while in the United States. We regret that we cannot accept applications from others at this time.
Fellowships
In keeping with the central value the Society places on bibliography as a critical framework, the BSA funds a number of fellowships to promote inquiry and research in books and other textual artifacts in both traditional and emerging formats. Fellowship amounts vary from $1,500 to $6,000, with most awarding $3,000. BSA offers general fellowships as well as several topical fellowships in the following subject. See the website for details.
- British book trades
- Cartography
- Culinary arts
- Early books and manuscripts
- North America
- Western hemisphere
- Hispanic World
Eligibility
- Eligibility is limited to: 1) US Citizens and Residents or 2) Citizens of other nations without US residency who wish to conduct research outside of the United States only
- Applicants must become active members of the Society in order to receive a fellowship award.
Fellowship Website:
https://bibsocamer.org/fellowships-and-awards