MSU Libraries Visiting Scholars program

Call for Proposals:

Michigan State University Libraries is now accepting applications for visiting scholars for the summer of 2026. Our Visiting Scholars program welcomes researchers at all levels (projects can be academic, journalistic, or creative) to make use of our world-class collections related to (but not limited to) popular culture, comics, rare books, Africana, LGBTQ activism, Michigan writers, cookery and foodways, as well as both the radical left and right.

Please consult our collections and MSU’s University Archives and Historical Collections for more information on MSU’s unique holdings.

How to Apply

Our MSU Libraries travel grants all share the same eligibility requirements and follow a shared timeline. See the bottom of the page for details on specific travel grant criteria.

Eligibility

Applicants must reside at least 50 miles from East Lansing.
Any researcher, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, artists, activists, or independent researchers may apply.
- Current or incoming MSU students are not eligible.
Two application cycles must pass before an applicant may submit a new application for review.
Due to new federal policies and restrictions this program is currently only available to individuals residing in the United States

Timeline

Applications open on November 1, 2025.
Complete applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time, February 1, 2026.
Notifications will be sent by March 15, 2026.
Residency period and award may be used between Monday, May 4, 2026 and Friday, August 14, 2026.

Apply

Plan to submit:

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae of no more than four pages
Description of research topic, its significance, and specific materials within University Archives and Historical Collections and/or the Murray and Hong Special Collections to be used. The scholar is responsible for identification and selection of which collection/items they wish to consult. (500 word maximum).
First and second choice of dates in residence. On-site research period must run for a minimum of five (5) consecutive business days between May 5 and August 15. Please note: our summer reading room hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
One letter of support from a professional and/or academic reference speaking to the value of your project and the quality of your work. Letter of support may be submitted with the application or separately to the same email address. If letter will be submitted separately, please supply name and email of individual.
Email submission as a single PDF to lib.dl.spcgrants@msu.edu

Specific Travel Grant Opportunities

Special Collections Research Fellowship

This fellowship is open to all researchers whose work would benefit from onsite access to our special collections, including materials held in the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections as well as those held in University Archives and Historical Collections. $3,000 will be awarded per recipient to prioritize research and make available the use of our world-class collections.

Lesbian Legacies Endowed Research Fellowship

Established by Purple, a group of Lansing friends who engage in community activism, the Lesbian Legacies: Amazon Cultural/Political Activism in the Second Wave Feminism Endowment, provides $3,000 to support researchers working in the field of LGBTQ+ studies, including lesbian and gay movements.

Stephen O. Murray Research Fellowship

Created in memory of Dr. Stephen O. Murray by his partner Dr. Keelung Hong, this fellowship is open to all researchers who wish to engage with the study and scope of Dr. Murray’s scholarship and authored works, which connects to our larger LGBTQ+ Collection. The fellowship provides $3,000 to support researchers working in this field. To learn more about Dr. Stephen Murray and discover material in his collection, use this link to the inventory of his archive.

Questions about the award or application should be directed to the Visiting Scholars committee: lib.dl.spcgrants@msu.edu

Last updated: October 31, 2025