Contact: Kathleen Hughes
Manager, Communications
312-280-4028
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2003
PLA award applications now available
Applications for the Public Library Association's (PLA) awards and honors are now being sought.
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit applications and supporting materials prior to December 1, 2003.
This year’s PLA awards/honors are as follows:
·
The Advancement of Literacy Award
is sponsored by the
Library Journal. This award honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or other similar group, that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy. ·
The Allie Beth Martin Award
honors a public librarian who demonstrates an extraordinary range and depth of knowledge of books and other library materials, and the ability to share that knowledge. The award includes a $3,000 honorarium from Baker & Taylor.
·
The Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award promotes the development of a circulating Audio Music/Video Collection in public libraries and increases the exposure of this format within the community.
The grant will consist of a $2,500 collection of Audio Music/Videos (ordered through Baker & Taylor).
Applicants must submit a proposal that outlines the purpose, benefits, and plan for initiating a circulating Audio Music/Video collection.
·
The Charlie Robinson Award
honors a public library director who, over a period of seven years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library. The award consists of $1,000 and a gift to the librarian.
Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
·
The Demco Creative Merchandising Grant
provides cash and supplies to a public library proposing a project for the creative display and merchandising of materials either in the library or in the community.
The grant consists of $1,000 cash and $2,000 worth of display furniture or supplies ordered through Demco, Inc. in conjunction with the grant project.
·
The
Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award recognizes a public library, serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program, or a special program of significant accomplishment. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium contributed by EBSCO Subscription Services.
·
The Highsmith Library Innovation Award
is a
$2,000 award that recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community.
Any innovative or creative program, activity or service that is a benefit to the community will be considered. The program or service must have had measurable impact on the library’s clientele.
Proposals will be judged on the collaborative efforts of staff and community in the planning and implementation process, and the measurements of success in the community based on usage, program attendances, or greater community awareness.
·
The New Leaders Travel Grant
is designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians who are new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. This grant offers financial assistance of up to $1,500 per applicant (for a total not to exceed $5,000 per year) for applicants wanting to attend a major PLA continuing education event.
To obtain award/nomination application forms, please visit
www.pla.org, or phone 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5752.
PLA is a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
