St. John's Library

The University Libraries established the Dr. James A. Benson Memorial Undergraduate Research Scholarship Award in 2022 in keeping with our commitment to support student research and scholarship.

The purpose of the award is to honor the legacy of Dr. James Benson, who dedicated 27 years of his academic career to St. John's University in a variety of roles as a professor in the Division of Library and Information Science, the director of the master’s program in library and information science, Dean of the University Libraries, Chief Information Officer, Dean of Information Resources, and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. A life-long learner and prolific reader, Dr. Benson was a nationally known visionary in the field of academic librarianship, intentionally pushing the boundaries of what the twenty-first century library should be.

This memorial scholarship will offer a monetary award each year to an undergraduate student pursuing a research project that focuses on issues relating to or strategies for promoting equity and inclusion for historically marginalized populations.

Please take the opportunity afforded by St. John's Giving Day to honor Dr. Benson's legacy and help make a difference in the lives of our students by making a gift today!