Bell Library Fellowships

Bell Library Short-Term Fellowships

Tier 1:  Up to $2,000 for research periods of less than 30 days. 
Tier 2:  $3,000 per month for research periods of one to three months.

Research periods need not be consecutive provided prior authorization is obtained.

Attention Artists:  Short-term fellowships can be adapted to artist-in-residence fellowships.  Contact us for more information.

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Bell Library Long-Term Fellowships

Researchers with long-term fellowships spend four to six months at the Bell Library, receiving a stipend of $5,000 per month. The fellowship period must be consecutive, although breaks for conference attendance and like events are possible.  Only one long-term fellowship will be awarded per calendar year.

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Requirements

For Short-Term Fellowships:

All scholars, including independent scholars, are eligible to apply, with the exception of Minnesota residents, who have attained a Master's degree or equivalent prior to application.  Minnesota residents are ineligible to apply.

A 1-2 page report that details the value of the fellowship to the research project must be submitted to the Bell Library within 30 days of the completion of the fellowship period.

For Long-Term Fellowships:

All scholars, including independent scholars, are eligible to apply, with the exception of Minnesota residents, who have attained a Doctoral degree or its equivalent prior to application.

A 1-2 page report that details the value of the fellowship to the research project must be submitted to the Bell Library within 30 days of the completion of the fellowship period.

A copy of the completed research project--book, book chapter, article, film/video, etc.--must be deposited with the University of Minnesota Libraries upon publication.

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Application information

All fellowships must take place between 1 February and 15 December of each calendar year. 

Note: Some weeks may not be available due to seasonal staffing shortages; check with the curator in advance of application if you require specific dates. If travel becomes difficult due to outbreaks of illness that result in travel and/or other restrictions, we will work with you to reschedule your residency.

Application deadlines: Round 1: March 1 of each year; Round 2: November 1 of each year

Deadlines may be extended at the discretion of the curator; contact [email protected] if you have questions or concerns.

There is no formal application form. To apply, please submit:

1. Letter of application that includes anticipated start date and length of stay.
2. Curriculum vitae, five pages or less.
3. Project description, 3 pages or less. Must include how research in the Bell collection will advance the project and a short list of materials in the collection relevant to the project.
4. Budget, one page. Must include all relevant anticipated costs.
5. Letter of recommendation; may be from academic advisor, department chair, professional colleague who can attest to the quality of your work. Letter writers should submit recommendations as e-mail attachments directly to the Bell Library:  [email protected].

Application materials should be submitted by e-mail to: [email protected], attention Dr. Marguerite Ragnow, Curator. Subject line: Fellowship Application

Contact Dr. Ragnow with questions at [email protected].

Note: Acceptance of these fellowships gives the University of Minnesota and other sponsors the right to announce you as the recipient of an award in their promotional literature and through their web sites and social media.

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Evaluation criteria

• Relevancy to the Bell Collection
• Description articulates well why the collection is necessary for the project
• Project is well defined, with clearly articulated goals and outcome
• Project represents original research and demonstrates originality/creativity
• Budget is complete, clear, and accurate

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