About
The Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program awards stipends of $3,500.00 per month for up to six months for individuals working on a topic relating to the history of science and technology who can make substantial use of the Dibner Library’s Special Collections. Doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars are welcome to apply.
The core of the holdings of the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology consists of approximately 10,000 rare books and manuscripts that were generously donated to the nation by the Burndy Library (founded by Bern Dibner) on the occasion of the nation's Bicentennial (1976). The collection has since grown to 35,000 rare books and 2,000 manuscript groups. The strengths of the Dibner Library’s holdings are in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, classical natural philosophy, theoretical physics (up to the early twentieth century), experimental physics (especially electricity and magnetism), engineering technology (from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century), and scientific apparatus and instruments.
To learn more about the collection, please visit the Dibner Library's website via original web page.The holdings are searchable via the Smithsonian Libraries' online catalog, SIRIS (access via original web page).
Scholars wanting to do research in other areas of SI Libraries' Special Collections should apply for the Baird Society Resident Scholar Program (access via original web page).
This award is supported by the family of Frances K. Dibner
How To Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). You will be required to create an account. You may review the SOLAA User’s Guide on their website to familiarize yourself with application procedures. Technical assistance is available via email from the SOLAA site (access via original web page).
In addition to completing the online application form, applicants must also provide the following to complete their application package on SOLAA:
- Statement of research (not more than 1000 words, double-spaced), which should include the following:
- Full description of the research you plan to undertake at the Dibner Library.
- The importance of the project both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own research goals.
- Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and using the Dibner Library’s Special Collections.
- Selected bibliography of titles or collections in which are relevant to your research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae, reflecting your education, previous or current fellowships, grants, and awards, and a brief description of your research interests. Include undergraduate and graduate institutions, inclusive dates or study, areas of study, degrees earned, and major publications.
- Two letters of reference (these will be uploaded directly by the referees).
Letters Of Reference
You are responsible for contacting two individuals familiar with your scholarly work who will evaluate your proposal. You must provide each referee with a complete copy of your proposal sufficiently in advance for them to prepare a letter of support in time to meet the deadline. Include with your proposal a copy of the Referee Letter (see the pdf below) so that they are aware of SOLAA application procedures. You may monitor your application, including whether or not letters of reference have been submitted, via your SOLAA account. Letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline for the application to be considered complete.
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2017.
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