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The Music Division’s Annegret Fauser and Tim Carter Research Fellowship (“the Fellowship”) is made possible by a generous donation of Drs. Fauser and Carter in 2022. For decades, Drs. Fauser and Carter have been regular researchers in the Performing Arts Reading Room and good friends to the Music Division.
The purpose of the award is to ensure support for post-doctoral (or equivalent) researchers of any nationality engaging in projects centered on collections held within the Library’s Music Division. Recipients may engage with other research collections in the Library or elsewhere in Washington, DC, but the primary focus will be the Music Division collections. The award will be a stipend of up to $2,000 and is to be used to cover travel (e.g., airfare, train, mileage, etc.) to and from Washington, D.C., overnight accommodations, as well as other research expenses. The Fellowship will be awarded to applicants proposing well-conceived projects that will primarily use the Music Division’s collections.
Eligibility
Post-doctoral (or equivalent) researchers with a need for the Fellowship support are encouraged to apply. All researchers must meet the requirements of the reading rooms that they plan to access during their research visit. The Performing Arts Reading Room requirements are at the following link: https://www.loc.gov/research-centers/performing-arts/about-this-research-center/. Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet the above academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a Fellowship, contingent upon the applicant’s visa eligibility.
In the interest of increasing awareness and extending documentation of Library of Congress collections, Fellows are required to make use of the Music Division’s extensive collections; be in residence for a minimum of at least five business days during the award period; and share information derived from their research at the Library through a publication, public lecture (or other event), or digital humanities project within twelve months of completing their research at the Library (or have acceptance for publication within twelve months). Each Fellowship recipient must also notify the selection committee once their publication is completed and provide a hyperlink to the work. There must be some form of acknowledgment within all related presentations, events, and publications that research was supported by the Fellowship.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following via email submission to vnovara@loc.gov (accepted only via email):
1. An up-to-date résumé or curriculum vita (brief) providing information as to education, degrees received, fellowships and honors, publications, positions held, and other pertinent information.
2. A one-page abstract (250 words maximum) that specifies how the proposed project is related to the research that features the Music Division’s collections or more broadly within the field of music; and identifies specifically which Library collections the applicant intends to utilize in research during the required period of residency at the Library of Congress.
3. A description of the proposed project (no longer than five pages) including (a) accomplishments to date, (b) a timetable for completion, (c) an itemized budget (including necessary travel and research expenses), (d) plans for use of the Library of Congress collections, and (e) other pertinent information, including plans for publication. (Font no smaller than 11 point, double-spaced).
4. Two letters of recommendation. Please give your recommenders copies of your proposal and ask them to comment on your strengths and weaknesses, the value of the proposed project, and your abilities to carry out the project as described.
5. Applications lacking any of these required components will automatically be eliminated from review.
When will the Fellowship begin?
The Fellowship can start at the Music Division in the James Madison Building after May 11, 2026, but should be completed by August 29, 2026. The Fellowship is required to be conducted in person. Completed applications are due by midnight February 15, 2026; notification will occur in March 2026.
Selection process
Each application will be reviewed by the selection committee composed of the Music Division’s Assistant Chief (or designate), the Head of Acquisitions and Processing, and the Head of Reader Services. The Library reserves the right to not award the Fellowship or to award more than one Fellowship.
Additional benefits for the applicant during their residency at the Library
The Fellow will receive a welcome tour of the Library by the Music Division’s Head of Acquisitions & Processing and Head of Reader Services. The tour will include how to find relevant reading rooms, the location of various amenities, and introductions to appropriate staff. This overview will allow the Fellow to focus on their research rather than losing valuable time trying find out how to navigate the Library.
