The Io DeGraw Mears Fellowship was established in memory of Io DeGraw Mears by her family and friends. This fellowship is awarded each year to one or more Goucher graduates who have been accepted to a graduate program in library science. Any Goucher alumna or alumnus, regardless of the time since graduation, may be considered for the Mears Fellowship.

Being a librarian is a great way to work with people, with ideas, and with emerging technologies. It's a profession that provides the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives - from inner city kids to research scientists to college students confronted with a bewildering array of information.

To mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the fund, Nancy Magnuson, college librarian emerita, and Margie Simon ’75 wrote an article describing some of the Fellows in the Winter 2024 issue of the Goucher Magazine.

To help support future Goucher librarians, please go to the Library Giving page and designate Mears Fellowship Fund.

To apply, please send the following information to Nancy Magnuson at nmagnuso@goucher.edu. 

•   a letter describing your interest in a library career
•   resume
•   name and contact information for a reference, preferably a Goucher faculty member
•   evidence of acceptance into an MLIS program 

Applications may be sent at any time during the year, but those approved by mid-March will be listed in the program for the spring Honors Convocation of that year. Selection is made by the co-managers of the Mears Fund, Nancy Magnuson and Margie Simon.

Questions? Contact Nancy at nmagnuso@goucher.edu.