Library Journal is now accepting nominations for Best Small Library, which comes with a $15,000 cash prize.
Innovative use of technology, creative programs and community outreach efforts are just a few of the tools necessary to build the 2007 Best Small Library in America.
Library Journal is now accepting nominations for Best Small Library, which comes with a $15,000 cash prize. Nominations are due Nov. 1, the winner will be notified in December, and the official announcement will be made in the Feb. 1, 2007, issue of Library Journal.
Anyone can nominate a library, including the library administration itself, patrons, community members or library peers.
The annual award is co-sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Now in its third year, the award honors the public library that best demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less. In addition to the cash award and feature in Library Journal, the winner will receive membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual Conference in 2008.
Previous winners are the Haines Borough Public Library in Haines, Alaska, and the Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy, Pa. 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. Among the factors that will be considered:
- Creativity in developing services and programs.
- 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.
- Partnerships with other agencies and businesses.
- Increase in library use, particularly by new users.
- Evidence of library’s role as community center.
- There is no fee to submit a nomination, but each entry must include complete contact information for the submitter and nominee; a written explanation of up to two pages that clearly enumerates how the library’s accomplishments fit the criteria for the award listed above; photos of library, staff, and patrons, if possible; references from two library peers; and statistical data on the library’s budget and use, as well as the population served.
Nominations may be sent to:
Library Journal's Award for the Best Small Library in America
c/o Library Journal
360 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
For a full description on the requirements, click here .
For more information about the submission process, contact Rebecca Miller at miller@reedbusiness.com or (646) 746-6725.
