ALA seeking nominations for libraries on the cutting edge

WASHINGTON, D.C.— As part of its ongoing effort to identify and recognize libraries that are delivering quality library services in new ways, the American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the best library practices using cutting-edge technology. Nominations must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2013, and winners will be announced at the upcoming 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting, which will be held Jan. 24-28, 2013. Libraries selected for the recognition will be featured in a program at the 2014 ALA Annual Conference, highlighted through ALA publications and publicized via ALA Web channels.

Last year, five libraries in four states were cited for creative and cost-effective engagement with technology trends, including BYOD (bring your own device), augmented reality, e-government, crowd-sourcing and online learning.

“We want to showcase libraries that are serving their communities with novel and innovative methods and provide the library community with some successful models for delivering quality library service in new ways,” said Marc Gartler, chair of the Cutting-edge Technology in Library Services selection committee.

“Cutting-edge” refers to tested and successful implementations of technological advancements used in services such as:

• improvements in traditional services and processes by inventing/re-inventing/twisting technology;
• introduction of new, innovative services that are flexible and responsive to community needs;
• technology-enabled methods for connecting libraries to their communities;
• funding initiatives or organizational models that ensure library information technology will remain current.

A joint selection committee of members from the Subcommittee on America’s Libraries for the 21st Century and the Library & Information Technology Association will review all nominations and may conduct selected interviews or site visits to identify those libraries that are truly offering a best practice or most innovative service.

Nominate a library. To learn more about the recognition, go to http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oitp/cuttingedge/index.cfm.