The Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program

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 be competitive, the applicant should describe in detail how he/she intends to use the Special Collections of the Dibner Library. While the Libraries' extensive general collections may be used to support scholars' research, the proposed project must center on use of the Dibner Library's Special Collections.

The selection of scholars is based on:

• the need to consult specific Dibner Library holdings (application must include a bibliography of specific titles or a description of specific collections to be used).
• evidence of the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research (as outlined in letters of reference, reviews of previous work, publication record, etc.).
• the quality of the proposal (importance of topic, its originality and sophistication of approach, the feasibility of research objectives, and relevance to the collections).

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• We welcome international scholars.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to demonstrate the ability to write and converse fluently in English.
• In addition, depending on the topic and specific research materials required, applicants should have an understanding of Latin or other foreign languages sufficient to make substantive use of Special Collections materials.
• English translations are not always available.
• Scholars are expected to be in residence at the Smithsonian full-time during their award tenures (plans to be away should be discussed in advance, if possible), to devote full-time effort to the research proposed, and to be regular users of the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology.