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Special Collections Research Fellowship
The University of North Texas Libraries invite applications for the UNT Special Collections Research Fellowship. Research in special collections is relevant to studies in a variety of disciplines including history, journalism, political science, geography, fine art, art history and American studies. We encourage applicants to think creatively about new uses for special collections. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for publication and the best use of special collections at UNT Libraries.
The Award
A total of four $1,000 awards will be made each year. Fellows will be required to conduct research in residence at UNT (in either the department of Special Collections or the Music Library) or utilize digitized Special Collections materials found in the UNT Digital Library and The Portal to Texas History. Fellows will also be required to write a brief (under 500 words) overview of their research experience and will also be asked to present an informal lecture on their research at the UNT Libraries during their Fellowship residence. Fellows will receive their award following the conclusion of their research residence.
Eligibility
The Fellowship is open to faculty, graduate students, and independent researchers. Research Fellowship visits must be scheduled between June 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 in order to receive awarded funding.
Application Procedure
Applicants should demonstrate the specific relevance of UNT Special Collections to their current research through their essay and project abstract. You can locate information and explore the unique collections at Special Collections and Music Library Collections. Detailed finding aids for many collections (both Special Collections and Music Library Collections) are available through the UNT Libraries Finding Aids Database.
Deadline
Deadline for applications is February 14, 2025. The recipient will be notified by April 1, 2025.
Submissions
Please submit the following materials with your application:
- An abstract of no more than 500 words describing your project.
- An essay (3 pages maximum) describing your research interests, specific goals for research during the fellowship period and the specific collections intended for use. For the Special Collections Fellowship also indicate the dates that you will spend in residence.
- A brief CV (3-5 pages).
- One letter of reference indicating the significance of the proposed research. Letters can be sent directly from the recommender to Meagan May or uploaded with other application materials.
Application materials should be uploaded and submitted electronically in PDF format using the 2025-2026 Application Form. Names of files being uploaded should begin with the applicant’s last name. Ex: Smith_Abstract; Smith_Essay; Smith_CV; Smith_LetterofRec
For questions about the Special Collections Research Fellowship contact Meagan May.
