James & Leslie Rutherford Library Student Assistant Scholarship

The University of Florida, George A. Smathers Libraries is proud to announce the James and Leslie Rutherford Library Student Assistant Scholarship.  This $500 scholarship will be awarded on a semester basis to selected individuals who are employed as student assistants at the Smathers Libraries.

Interested library student assistants should complete the application and essay response and provide a copy of unofficial transcripts from One.UF.

Criteria

• Must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Must be a student assistant currently working in one of the following George A. Smathers Libraries: Architecture and Fine Arts, Education, Marston, Auxiliary Library Facility, Interim Library Facility, Library West, Smathers Library, or one of the Health Science Center Libraries.
• Must have worked at the Smathers Libraries for a minimum of two semesters (not including the current semester) by the time of the award.
• Must be a full-time student.
• Previous winners are ineligible.
• Applications must be received by deadline to be considered.
• AI generated or assisted essays will not be eligible.

Prompt for Spring 2026

Write a short story that takes place in a futuristic library where technology and tradition collide.

Submission

• Word count: 500 to 1,000
• Deadline: February 9th by 5:00 PM EST
• Scholarship amount: $500
  If awarded the scholarship, your short story will be published in SOURCE Magazine.

Your application packet must include:

• Cover page
• Your short story
• A copy of unofficial transcript information from ONE.UF
• Submit your application packet via email to Juliana.rojas@ufl.edu by deadline.

Generously Sponsored by James and Leslie Rutherford