This is a message from CTLS-L. Selecting "Reply" will send a message to the originator. Selecting "Reply to All" will send a message to the entire list. --------------------------------------------------------- Nominations Sought for Library Journal's Award for
the Best Small or Rural Library in America Library Journal's new annual Award for the Best Small or Rural Library
in America, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been
founded to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. The
award honors the public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding
service to populations of 25,000 or less (see below for eligibility). Members
of the editorial board of Library Journal, librarians from around the country,
and a representative from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will judge
nominations based on key factors, including: Creativity in developing services and programs that can be replicated by
other libraries Innovation in introducing and supporting public access computing,
educating patrons in its use, and measuring the impact of this technology usage
Use of technology to expand the reach of library services Demonstrated community support Success in developing cooperation with other libraries and partnerships
with other agencies and businesses Significant increase in library use, particularly by new users Evidence of library's role as community center The winning library will receive a $10,000 cash award, a feature story
in the February 1, 2005 Library Journal, membership and conference costs for
two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual
Conference in 2006, and a gala reception at the conference. Nomination deadline: December 1, 2004. Eligibility Requirements: A single library serving a community with a population of 25,000 or less
is eligible (latest Census). Area library districts or systems may serve an aggregate population of
greater than 25,000, as long as the service area of the library includes an
area or a community with a population of 25,000 or less. The prize money must
be used to benefit that population. A single county or town with a population over 25,000 that is served by
two or more library districts or systems operating entirely within the bounds
of the county or town may qualify as long as the service area of a given
library includes a rural area or a rural community or the population of the
library's jurisdiction is 25,000 or less. The prize money must be used for that
area. A single community with a population greater than 25,000 and having a
library with one or more branches may qualify. The library must have a service
area that includes a rural area or community that does not exceed 25,000
population. The prize monies must be used only for the benefit of the rural or
community population under 25,000. Similarly a single community with a population
greater than 25,000, which also provide library service to an adjoining
community of 25,000 or less population by contract, may also be eligible,
provided the prize is used entirely to support the smaller community. A single community library serving a population greater than 25,000 and
not providing service to a rural area or to a rural community is not eligible
for the award. Submission Requirements: Anyone can nominate a library--the library administration itself,
patrons, members of the community, library peers. All nominations must be received by December 1, 2004. There is no entry fee, but each entry must include the following
information: Name, address, phone number, and email of nominee and the name of the
contact person, as well as contact information for the submitter if different
from the nominee. A written explanation of up to two pages, or a list of bulleted
narrative points, that clearly enumerates how the library's accomplishments fit
the criteria for the award listed above. (Note: Entries that describe programs
and their effects on the community will be especially helpful to the judges in
rendering a decision. Supporting materials, such as brochures, testimonials,
press clippings, etc., may be included and are helpful, but they are less
important than the written narrative.) Photo(s) of library, staff, and patrons, if possible. References from two library peers. Statistical data: include population served; total annual budget; per
capita budget; circulation; percent of the budget spent on materials; visits;
e-use (in-house and remote if you offer remote access and collect such data);
number of staff; percentage of staff who are professional librarians. Most
libraries collect such data, but if you do not have all of these statistics,
then submit at least the first six. The judges do not make selections based on
numbers, though they are helpful in giving context to the written submission. Send the nomination to: Library Journal's Award for the Best Small or Rural Library in America c/o Library Journal 360 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10010 Or submit by email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have any questions regarding the submission process, please
contact Rebecca Miller mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
or by phone at 646-746-6725. |
