ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award

About the ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award The ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by creating a cultural/thematic program type or program series, presented during the preceding year (September 1 - August 31), that engages the community in planning, sponsorship and/or active participation, addresses an identified community need, and has a measurable impact.

Administered by:

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Award and Frequency

 

The Award consists of $5,000 and a citation of achievement.
This award is given out on an annual basis.

Eligibility

In recognition that programming is an essential part of service delivery in all types of libraries, school, public, academic, and special libraries are all eligible.  The nominated program/series must have been for a public audience.

Application Instructions

 

The ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by creating a cultural/thematic program type or program series. A cultural/thematic program is one that features the humanities, sciences, arts, creative arts, community and civic engagement programs, as well as programs in conjunction with exhibitions, community-wide reading programs, or other community-wide programs.
 
Application for the ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award is in the form of a self-nomination submitted online to the Award Committee by a school, public, academic, or special library in the United
States, on a cultural/thematic program series presented during the preceding year (September 1 – August 31, 2012).
 
The application form will be available by May 1st.

Contact Information

Cheryl Malden (Staff Liaison, July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2020) - cmalden@ala.org
Work Phone: (312) 280-3247
Fax: 312 944-3897
American Library Association
50 E Huron St
Chicago, IL 60611-2788

Displaying active committee roster as of 05/25/2013. Last retrieved on 05/25/2013. Members can log in to view full contact information for committee members.

Selection Criteria

 

  • Clear statement of organization goals and objectives
  • Clear statement of the link between library objectives and community impact
  • Identifying the audience for the project and developing a program directed at that audience.
  • Documenting the need for the program, was the need well-defined
  • The quality of the design of the program.
  • The clearness of the action plan and calendar
  • Whether the needed resources were available (including staff) to make the program a success.
  • Whether the budget is adequate and reasonable for the program.
  • Whether appropriate evaluation methods are being used.
  • Additional areas that may be considered: the importance of the problem addressed; the seriousness of the proposal to the library's needs; whether the program improved delivery of services to user.

Notification

 

The winning library will be presented the award at the ALA Annual Conference.