ALA invites applications for 'StoryCorps @ your library'

For Immediate Release
Mon, 12/10/2012

Contact:

Angela Thullen

Program Officer

Public Programs Office (PPO)

312-280-5286

athullen@ala.org

Participating libraries to receive $2,500 programming stipend, StoryCorps equipment, training

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in partnership with StoryCorps, is accepting applications from public libraries and library systems interested in hosting “StoryCorps @ your library” programs. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to ALA, “StoryCorps @ your library” seeks to bring StoryCorps' popular interview methods to libraries while developing a replicable model of oral history programming. Program guidelines and the online application are available at www.programminglibrarian.org/storycorps. The deadline for applications is Jan. 18.

In February, 10 pilot sites will be selected to receive:

  • A $2,500 stipend for project-related expenses;
  • A toolkit of written and Web-based customizable program and promotional support materials;
  • A StoryKit (a customized set of professional recording equipment) to use to record on-site interviews during the grant period and retain for future use after the close of the pilot project;
  • A two-day in-person training by StoryCorps staff at the library site to orient volunteers and library staff to interview collection, digital recording techniques and archiving interviews in StoryCorps’ proprietary database.

Building on earlier planning work supported by IMLS, “StoryCorps @ your library,” will be piloted at 10 public libraries selected from across the country. Local libraries will retain copies of all interviews and preservation copies will also be deposited with the Library of Congress. For more information, visit www.programminglibrarian.org/storycorps.

The ALA Public Programs Office promotes cultural and community programming as an essential part of library service in all types and sizes of libraries. Successful library programming initiatives have included Let’s Talk About It reading and discussion series, traveling exhibitions, film discussion programs, the Great Stories CLUB, LIVE! @ your library and more. The website www.ProgrammingLibrarian.org brings librarians timely and valuable information to support them in the creation of high-quality cultural programs for their communities. For more information about the ALA Public Programs Office, visit www.ala.org/publicprograms.

StoryCorps’ mission is to provide people of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, preserve and share their stories. Each week, millions of Americans listen to StoryCorps’ award-winning broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition. StoryCorps has published three books: Listening Is an Act of Loveand Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps, andAll There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps—all of which are New York Times best sellers. For more information, or to listen to stories online, visit storycorps.org.