About the opportunity
The Newberry Library Short-Term Fellowships provide PhD-holding scholars and PhD candidates with the opportunity to spend 1 to 2 months in residence in Chicago, investigating specific collection items essential to their research projects. Fellows engage deeply with the Newberry’s rich collections spanning American history, European history, cartography, literature, and more, while actively participating in the library’s vibrant scholarly community. Most fellowships offer 1 month of support, though specific named awards extend to 2 months. Awards can be taken up between June of the awarding year and August of the following year.
Funding and benefits
- Stipend of $3,000 per month to support housing, travel, and living costs in Chicago.
- Access to the Newberry Library's extensive collection items and research resources.
- Integration into the Newberry's scholarly community and participation in academic centers and programs.
Who can apply?
- Open to PhD-holding scholars at any career stage (including faculty, independent scholars, curators, and librarians) and PhD candidates with ABD (all-but-dissertation) status or equivalent.
- Applicants can work in any academic or creative field, provided their proposed project requires working with specific items in the Newberry collection.
Required documents
- Completed application form via SlideRoom
- Project proposal detailing the need to use specific Newberry collection items
When to apply
- Applications for the 2027-28 Short-Term Fellowship program open ahead of the deadline.
- Application deadline is December 4, 2026.
How to apply
- Review eligibility and fellowship requirements on the Newberry Library website.
- Prepare your project proposal emphasizing collection-specific research needs.
- Submit your application through the online SlideRoom portal by the December 4, 2026 deadline.
Additional information
- The Newberry does not provide housing for fellows.
- Awards are tenable for a 15-month period between June of the awarding year and August of the following year.
- Certain named fellowships have specific requirements, such as membership in the Midwest Modern Language Association (MMLA), affiliation with CRS consortium institutions, or indigenous heritage.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career researchers, independent scholars, and advanced graduate students who have concrete, collection-specific research needs aligned with the Newberry's holdings.
- Scholars seeking dedicated time away from teaching or institutional duties to immerse themselves in archival and rare book collections.
What should you think carefully about?
- The $3,000 monthly stipend must cover all local housing, travel, and living expenses in Chicago, and the library does not provide housing support.
- The standard duration is only one to two months, which requires a highly focused and efficient research plan.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is ideal for researchers looking to advance a book chapter, article, or dissertation by tapping into specialized archival materials. The short-term format provides flexible, targeted funding to bridge gaps in historical and humanities research without requiring a lengthy absence from home institutions.
Our take
PhD-holding scholars and ABD candidates with clear plans to use the Newberry's collections should strongly consider applying. Those requiring extended, year-long residency or lacking collection-specific research objectives will find other programs more suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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