The NIU Libraries, with funding provided by the Horatio Alger Society, offers a fellowship to scholars who wish to come to NIU to conduct research using the Libraries’ major holdings in American popular culture. These holdings include the nation’s preeminent collections related to Horatio Alger, Jr. and Edward Stratemeyer. The Albert Johannsen and Edward T. LeBlanc Collections of more than 50,000 dime novels, as well as the complementary Merriwell Collection, are also eligible for research under this fellowship. Other possible collections for examination include our comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature, Lovecraft Collection, and the American Popular Literature Collection.
Scholars from multiple disciplines, such as English, American Studies, History of the Book, U.S. History, Communications, and Rhetoric might consider applying for this award. Our fictional materials provide insight into publishing of popular materials as well as the ideological points of view of writers and readers from the middle of the 19th century continuing through the 20th. Previous research topics include reader response, the plight of urban children, images of the American West in popular literature, widespread use of pseudonyms, and stereotypical portrayals. The fellowship provides up to $2,000 to a visiting scholar. Travel arrangements will be made by the recipient. They will submit a budget as part of the application. They will be reimbursed after the fellowship is completed.
Faculty members, independent scholars, graduate students, and librarians currently based in or outside the United States are eligible to apply. For non-US based international scholars, NIU Libraries will provide a letter of invitation that the visiting scholar may use for administrative purposes. However, the awarded scholar is responsible for their own travel arrangements including any requirements related to travel and residency documentation, fees, taxes, transportation, and accommodations.
Applications are accepted February 1 - May 15, and the successful applicant will be informed of the decision by June 15, with the fellowship to take place the following July - June. Fellows can work at NIU for up to 30 days.
Complete the form and email a current CV and one (1) letter of recommendation no later than May 15, 2025. Applicants or interested parties can contact us with further inquiries.