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About Lipscomb: Barksdale Library Scholarship

The Mary M. Barksdale Scholarship Established in Memory of Mildred F. Johnson ‘27

Income from the Mary M. Barksdale Scholarship Established in Memory of Mildred F. Johnson ’27 shall be used to provide a scholarship for a graduate of Randolph College or Randolph-Macon Woman's College who is pursuing graduate study in Library and Information Science. 

Scholarship Amount

Currently, the scholarship award amount for graduate study will be up to $3000 per student, per term and may be renewable once per academic year (for a total of up to $6000 per academic year, per student).  The amount awarded each term is subject to change, according to the availability of funds. 

Funds will be paid directly to the academic institution at which the scholarship winner is registered, as long as they remain a student in good standing.

Scholarship Renewals

Scholarships are not automatically renewed for a second semester. 

You must contact the Director of Lipscomb Library at library@randolphcollege.edu to initiate the renewal process for your second semester.


Scholarship awards expire after one year.  Winners are highly encouraged to re-apply for the scholarship during subsequent years.

Scholarship Eligibility

Receipt of the Barksdale Scholarship award for graduate study:
Eligibility requirements of the candidate:

  • Must be a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College or Randolph College
  • Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school
  • Must intend to earn a Master of Library Science degree
  • Must provide a brief (500 word maximum) essay describing their interest in pursuing a career in library and information science

Preference will be given to former student employees of the library or students who have participated in one of the library’s student internships.

Scholarship Application Process

Candidates should submit the following materials to:  library@randolphcollege.edu

  • A copy of their letter of acceptance at an American Library Association accredited library school
  • A brief (500 word maximum) essay describing their interest in pursuing a career in Library and Information Science
  • Please provide the following information about yourself:
    • Current name
    • Name at time of graduation
    • Year of graduation from RMWC or RC
    • Major(s) at RMWC or RC
    • Email
    • Current address
    • Were you employed by the Lipscomb Library as a work study student?
    • Did you participate in one of the library sponsored internships?

Application deadlines:
                Spring term allocations:  October 1 of the preceding semester
                Fall term allocations:  May 1 of the preceding semester


Only complete applications will be placed under consideration.