2026 Brooks McNamara Performing Arts Librarian Scholarship
Theatre Library Association
The Brooks McNamara Performing Arts Librarian Scholarship is an award offered every other year, and honors the memory of this beloved theater historian, scholar, educator, and mentor.
This award acknowledges outstanding accomplishments of promising students currently enrolled in MLIS or archival training programs who plan to specialize in performing arts librarianship, or who have worked with performing arts collections during their graduate studies.
This year’s prompt: “Why is it important, and what are some of the best practices, to represent performing artists in an equitable way in libraries and archives?”
Please discuss initiatives or projects you have started or been involved with, and then propose possible new approaches, and/or other topics. Descriptions of personal accomplishments or experience will be appreciated.
Interested students are encouraged to apply by submitting:
● A 700-to-1000-word essay on the topic: “Why is it important, and what are some of the best practices, to represent performing artists in an equitable way in libraries and archives?”
● The linked application form (questions include: name, school, contact info for advisor/program manager, credits earned, and graduation date)
● An up-to-date resumé
Deadline for submission is November 1st, 2026. Please email your questions to Drew Barker dbarker@umd.edu. Applications will be screened and reviewed by the TLA Professional Awards Committee.
The recipient will receive a $1,000 check and a one-year complimentary TLA membership. The essay will be published on the TLA website, and the Scholarship winner will be publicly announced in December 2026, and published on the TLA website.
www.tla-online.org
Theatre Library Association