External funding presents an opportunity for early career scholars to jumpstart their research agenda post-PhD. One funding opportunity available in the library and information science (LIS) field is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) Early Career Research award. What is the IMLS LB21 Early Career Research (EC) award? Learn more in this 90-minute interactive session that will include five primary activities: IMLS Funding Overview, Panelist Presentations, Attendee Breakout Discussion, Panel Discussion, and Reporting Back. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the EC funding opportunity available at IMLS; learn about first-hand experiences from EC awardees; reflect on their own career trajectories with peers; and evaluate potential next steps for funding their research agenda.