Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Library and Archives

Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship

2010 is the first year of a new fellowship program, established in memory of Ellen Brenner, who was an integral member of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) community for nearly a decade. One Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship will be awarded each year to either a librarian or an archivist (see below). Eligible applicants include librarians or archivists who wish to further their studies in science, and members of the scientific community who wish to begin or continue a career as a science librarian or archivist.

Made possible by the generosity of Ellen's husband, Steven Brenner, and other donations made to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in honor of her memory, the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship offers a stipend of $2,000 to work on a mentored project at CSHL. Experienced librarians and archivists at the CSHL Library and Archives and the Genentech Center for the History of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology will serve as the recipient's mentors.

For Librarians

For Archivists

Application is open to librarians and professionals having degrees in life science or medicine who wish to further their studies in science or begin or continue a career as a science librarian. Ellen Brenner Memorial Library Fellows will work at CSHL on projects that expand the Library's reference services and strengthen its bond with the CSHL scientific community. Topic areas include rare books, organizing special collections, and cataloging/creating metadata. Ellen Brenner Memorial Library Fellows may also work on special projects relating to the development of science libraries in the 21st century. Through these activities, Ellen Brenner Library Fellows will gain experience working in a science library with scientific resources, as well as becoming involved with various projects at the CSHL Library. At the conclusion of their work on these projects, Fellows are expected to submit a brief written report or make a brief oral presentation

Application is open to archivists who wish to further their studies in science archives, or members of the scientific community who wish to begin or continue a career as an archivist. Ellen Brenner Memorial Archives Fellows will work on projects that are currently under way in the CSHL Archives and the Genentech Center for the History of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Topic areas include digitization, oral history, archives processing, and cataloging/creating metadata. Through these activities, Ellen Brenner Archives Fellows will gain experience working with collections related to the history of CSHL and the history of molecular biology and biotechnology; and special collections of prominent scientists in the early years of these fields. At the conclusion of their work on these projects, Fellows are expected to submit a brief written report or make a brief oral presentation.

Ellen Brenner

Ellen Brenner was a reference librarian at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Library and Archives. She upheld the highest standards of excellence in her work, while bringing warmth and sincerity to everyone with whom she worked. She had extensive knowledge of medical and science literature, having worked as a reference librarian at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Health Sciences Library, the Milton Helpern Library of Legal Medicine, and at the Cornell University Medical College Library. Her professional contributions led to significant growth of the Library's programs and services. The Fellowships are a testament to Ellen's understanding of the important interactions between libraries and scientists in the advancement of knowledge.

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Library and Archives

The Library's main collection includes more than 13,000 print monographs: manuals, textbooks and reference books; 4000 e-books; a journal collection of more than 750 titles, both print and electronically published; and 21,000 bound journal volumes. The Library web portal provides electronic access to scientific databases and to the Library's extensive electronic library collection from any location worldwide.

The Archives is a rich repository of books, manuscripts, photographs, and reprints documenting genetics research and the work of the faculty of CSHL and its predecessor institutions dating back to 1890. This includes books produced and collected by CSHL; collections of prominent scientists associated with CSHL; and other materials relating to the scientific work, scientists, buildings, Laboratory and local history, and meetings and courses that have been held at CSHL. The Archives also houses the collection of the Eugenics Records Office (ERO), which existed at Cold Spring Harbor from 1910 to 1924.

Both the Libraries and Archives are housed in the recently expanded Carnegie Building.

Genentech Center for the History of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

The Genentech Center for the History of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology was established at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 2006, with a landmark gift of $2.5 million from Genentech, a founder of the biotechnology industry. This facility, which is also within the Carnegie Building, houses the archival collections of luminaries from the molecular biology revolution, including Nobel laureates James D. Watson, Sydney Brenner, Barbara McClintock, and Hermann Muller. It also contains conference and study space for visiting scholars and graduate students.

Selection Criteria

Eligibility

Applicants must have at least a master's degree in science, engineering, library/information science, or history of science.

Selection

The selection of the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellow is based on CSHL's determination of the following:

• Motivation to pursue professional development activities in the areas of science, library and information science, and archives management.
• Evidence of the applicant's ability to succeed as a science librarian or archivist (as outlined in at least two letters of reference, reviews of previous work, publication record, etc.).

Deadline

Applications are due by March 1 each year.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship Selection Committee, and a Fellow will be chosen by April 1 each year. Selection of the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellows will be made at the sole discretion of CSHL.

Announcement

The recipient of the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship will be announced on April 1.

Award

The stipend of $2000 can be used for any purpose, including local travel and living expenses while in residence at CSHL.

Conditions

In submitting an application for the Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship, the applicant does not incur any obligation to accept the award if selected.

1. The Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellow will be required to work, at least part time, on the premises of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Library and Archives, beginning in September.
2. The Fellow is expected to present a brief written or oral report on his or her project(s).
3. A copy of the final report is to be given to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Library and Archives to be placed in its files.
4. The stipend of $2000 is to cover expenses incurred while in residence at CSHL.

Application Instructions

Instructions for each part of the application

1. Completion of the two-page Application Form
2. Statement of purpose (500 - 1000 words, 12 pt. font, double-spaced), including the following:
   -Career goals
   - Brief description of the project(s) you plan to undertake at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
   - Explanation of the importance of the project both in relation to your own career goals and the broader discipline
   - Brief budget statement showing the expenses for which support is requested.
   
3. Curriculum vitae, reflecting your education, previous or current fellowships, grants, and awards, and a brief description of your career plans. Include undergraduate and graduate education, inclusive dates of study, areas of study, degrees earned, and major publications.
4. Two letters of reference from individuals, evaluating your ability to succeed as a science librarian or archivist. These referees should be familiar with your work. The reference letters should be sent in sealed envelopes signed by the referee across the flap.

Summary: A complete application will include:

1. Completed Application Form
2. Statement of purpose with budget statement
3. Curriculum vitae
4. Two letters of reference (in sealed envelopes)

Send all parts of your application together to:

Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship Program
Library and Archives
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
1 Bungtown Rd.
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

Contact Information

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the fellowship.

Ellen Brenner Memorial Fellowship Program
Library and Archives
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
1 Bungtown Rd.
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

516-367-8493 phone
516-367-6845 fax
ellen-brenner-fellowship@cshl.edu

Support the Fellowship

The idea for a memorial fund to honor Ellen Brenner was suggested by Steven Brenner, Ellen's husband. Together with Mila Pollock, Executive Director, CSHL Library & Archives, the fund was established in 2008. Through Steve's generosity and the contributions of Ellen's family, friends and colleagues, the fund will provide support for librarians, archivists and other professionals who wish to move into the field of science librarianship, the field where Ellen spent nearly a decade of her life.  The Brenner family as well as the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory appreciate your interest in contributing to the growth of this endowment. Donations may be made as follows:

Donate Now to CSHL

Make a Gift Online

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Make a Gift by Mail

You may complete a mail-in form if you wish to make a gift by credit card or check. Click here to download the PDF.

Make a Gift by Phone

Call 516-367-8840 to make a gift using your credit card.

Stock Transfer Information

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Become a Monthly Donor

If you are interested in signing up to make an automatic monthly donation or would like more information about payment options, please call 516-367-6859.