Scholarship Application Letter Librarian in India New Delhi – Free Word Template Download with AI

Dr. Ananya Sharma
45 Sector 7, Hauz Khas
New Delhi, India 110016
Email: [email protected] | Phone: +91-9876543210
Date: October 26, 2023

Dr. Rajesh Mehta
Director, National Library Scholarship Program
National Documentation Centre (NDC)
New Delhi, India 110001

Dear Dr. Mehta,

It is with profound respect for the transformative power of knowledge and unwavering dedication to the library profession that I submit this Scholarship Application Letter. As a committed Librarian currently serving at the prestigious Delhi Public School (DPS), New Delhi, I seek financial support through your esteemed National Library Scholarship Program to pursue an advanced certification in Digital Resource Curation and Community Engagement at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad. This scholarship represents not merely an educational opportunity, but a strategic investment in strengthening India's intellectual infrastructure within the dynamic metropolis of New Delhi.

Over the past seven years as a Librarian at DPS New Delhi, I have witnessed firsthand how libraries are evolving from mere repositories into vital community hubs driving digital literacy and lifelong learning. My tenure has been defined by initiatives like launching "Digital Literacy for Senior Citizens" workshops at our school library—a project serving over 300 elderly residents of South Delhi—and spearheading a city-wide book exchange program connecting 25 schools across New Delhi. However, to scale these efforts meaningfully and address the acute digital divide in India's urban centers, I recognize the critical need for advanced training in contemporary library management systems. The current certification program at IIIT Hyderabad specifically addresses this gap through its curriculum on AI-driven cataloging systems, ethical data management for public libraries, and culturally responsive community programming—exactly what is required to modernize library services in India's capital city.

India New Delhi stands at a pivotal moment. With over 90% literacy rates and the National Digital Library (NDL) initiative expanding rapidly, our libraries are central to achieving Prime Minister Modi's vision of "Digital India." Yet, many public libraries in Delhi still rely on outdated systems. For instance, the East Delhi Public Library—serving over 50,000 residents—currently uses a manual card catalog system that limits access for youth and persons with disabilities. My proposed training would equip me to implement cloud-based resource management tools like Koha and develop accessible digital archives for Delhi's diverse cultural heritage. This aligns perfectly with the National Mission on Libraries (NML) goals, directly supporting India's strategic focus on inclusive knowledge dissemination.

The financial barrier is substantial. The scholarship amount of ₹45,000 would cover 85% of the certification costs (₹52,750 total), including: ₹18,999 for course fees; ₹12,601 for travel and accommodation during intensive workshops in Hyderabad; and ₹16,349 for specialized software licenses and research materials. As a mid-career Librarian with a modest salary of ₹48,000/month (as per the Delhi Government’s Education Department scale), I cannot afford this investment without external support. This scholarship would enable me to return to New Delhi with actionable strategies immediately applicable at our school library and potentially scaled across municipal libraries. My colleague, Mr. Arjun Patel (Librarian, Municipal Library, North Delhi), has already endorsed my proposal: "Ananya's initiatives have inspired our staff to rethink outreach methods—we need more professionals like her equipped with modern tools."

My professional journey in India New Delhi has cemented my belief that the Librarian is not just a custodian of books but an architect of community empowerment. During the 2021 pandemic, my team at DPS New Delhi distributed 1,200 digital learning kits to underserved communities in East Delhi using our library’s resources—proving how libraries bridge educational inequity. However, to replicate this impact citywide, we require Librarians trained in today's technological landscape. The IIIT certification will provide me with the expertise to mentor other Delhi-based Librarians through workshops at the National Library of India (NLI), New Delhi—a partnership I have already begun discussing with NLI’s Training Director.

I am particularly drawn to this scholarship because it embodies the very ethos of library science in India: service rooted in national progress. The program’s emphasis on "Ethical Information Access for All" mirrors the Delhi government's 2023 policy directive prioritizing libraries as community resilience centers. My proposed project—"Digital Inclusion Hubs for Delhi’s Marginalized Communities"—will leverage this training to establish three satellite library kiosks in East and South Delhi by 2025, serving over 15,000 residents. This directly supports India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on equitable learning resources.

As a Librarian committed to New Delhi's intellectual vitality, I envision myself not merely as a recipient of this scholarship, but as an agent of change. The training will position me to advocate for updated library infrastructure in Delhi’s municipal policies and collaborate with institutions like the National Archives and the Indira Gandhi Library Complex. My ultimate goal is to establish a replicable model for smart public libraries across India—one that balances tradition with technology while serving the diverse needs of a city where 17 million people thrive on knowledge.

I respectfully request the opportunity to contribute my skills, passion, and newly acquired expertise to New Delhi’s library ecosystem. This Scholarship Application Letter reflects not just my personal ambition, but a promise to serve India’s educational advancement with integrity and innovation. Thank you for considering my application during your busy schedule. I am available at your convenience for an interview at +91-9876543210 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Ananya Sharma
Librarian, Delhi Public School (DPS), New Delhi

Enclosures:

• Resume detailing 7 years of library service in New Delhi
• Recommendation letter from Principal, DPS New Delhi
• Official course fee structure from IIIT Hyderabad
• Certification details for Digital Literacy Workshops (Delhi Municipal Corporation)

Word Count: 874

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