Knower Fund

What is it and how is the money used?

What is the Knower Fund?

The Chapter established the Beverly M. Knower Fund in 1978 in memory of a member who served in many capacities, including a term as president. The Fund was intended to reflect her abiding interest in encouraging students to consider careers in special libraries. It is used to support student-related activities, by developing interest in careers in special libraries and acquainting students with the benefits of participation in SLA.

Funds for the Knower awards come from on-going contributions by SLA Philadelphia Chapter members through

•  individual donations to the endowment, often solicited in conjunction with the annual Wine and Cheese Reception, and
•  proceeds from the Silent Auction at the annual Holiday Party.

By “students” we mean individuals who have not yet completed an initial professional degree in our field, or who maintain student membership in SLA.

How is the money used?

A Knower Committee consisting of Chapter members and a representative from our student chapter propose a plan of student support each year, for approval by the

Board. Qualifying uses of available funds include but are not limited to:

• Subsidy of student registration fees at Chapter or regional meetings, or SLA Annual Conference (with heavy emphasis on attendance at Annual Conference when it is near Philadelphia). Mechanisms for subsidy may vary; recent proposals have included reduced fees for programs, free attendance at a Chapter networking event, or a certificate for a free meeting of a student’s choice.
• One-time grants or awards for achievement.
• Support of special student-oriented programming.
• Support of a student SLA chapter activity at an educational institution.
• Support of the Chapter’s student mentoring programs.
• Purchase and distribution of promotional or educational materials designed for student use.
• Subsidy of student membership in the Association.
• Sponsorship or promotion of student research projects.
• Prizes for or publication of student work.

See also: Knower Fund Information on the SLA Philadelphia Chapter Webpage