UT Libraries announces the inaugural Scholars Lab Fellowship. This paid, two-semester long program is aimed at UT graduate students. We will select up to five (5) total Fellows who will complete a project that involves data, digital collections, digital media, or digital methods/platforms.
Fellows will receive:
- Project support through consultation with research librarians and staff experts
- Mentorship, cohort-building and related professional development opportunities
- A stipend of $3,000 to enable focus on accepted proposed project
Applicants should read the Frequently Asked Questions before applying.
Applications will open around the start of the fall semester..Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations for this program?
We expect you to spend on average 4-5 hours per week participating in program activities which include:
- Attending monthly Fellows meetings
- Attending at least 2 workshops per term from the following series: Digital Humanities Workshops, Data and Donuts, or Digital Scholars in Practice lectures
- Attending weekly meetings with your Project Advisor
- Co-working opportunities (optional)
- Individual time working on the project
- Provide a 75-word bio and image plus a 150-word project statement for posting on the Scholars Lab page.
- Undertake and complete an original research project that utilizes data, digital collections, digital media, or digital methods/platforms during the Fall ‘24-Spring ‘25 semesters.
- Notify the Program Coordinator if you plan to be absent for more than four consecutive weeks.
- Teach a workshop or create a learning object, and present your project in a public forum.
Additionally, we expect that fellows will:
Who may apply?
Graduate students currently enrolled at UT may apply.
What kind of project qualifies, and can you provide feedback before I submit?
We are looking for original projects that use data, digitization, or digital collections to analyze, educate, or answer a research question. We want to see a realistic project that can be completed within two semesters. This fellowship incorporates elements of digital information, project management and scholarship. An outstanding application addresses all three elements. If you are able to pre-submit your proposal before September 2, we will review it and give you feedback before you officially submit it.
What can I expect from this fellowship?
You can expect consulting support from professional librarians, the other Fellows in your cohort, and staff experts in aspects of digital projects. We anticipate adding your projects and your photo to the Scholars Lab website.
This fellowship will be an accomplishment to add to your CV. It is intended to help you develop new research skills and grow as a researcher.
Is in-person participation required?
No. For accessibility reasons, for people who might be traveling, etc., we are open to fellows working remotely.
Will the stipend affect my financial aid?
Departments may handle financial aid differently. Please see the Financial Aid Office's page about fellowships for more information.
How will I be paid?
You will receive two checks for $1500 each, one per semester.
What’s the timeline?
Applications are due no later than September 15. If you are able to submit by September 2, we
can give you feedback on your application.
You will learn whether you’ve been accepted by mid-October. We will host a
kick-off meeting in November, and fellows will present their projects towards the end of the Spring semester.
Can I complete this fellowship in one semester?
No, this fellowship was developed as a two-semester program, with the first semester being focused on training and planning, and the second semester focused on executing your project.
What if I have more questions?
Email the Scholars Lab: scholarslab@austin.utexas.edu
Contact Us
Location:
Perry-Castañeda Library
101 E. 21st Street
Room 2.200
Austin, Texas 78712
