Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award

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Purpose and Criteria

The Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award provides recognition and a $1,000 honorarium to 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 honors a public library for all or any of the following:

Uniqueness of service of program
Impact of program or service on community
How the service or program will affect the future of the library and its community

Number and Frequency of Award

Only one library shall receive this annual award. No award shall be given if applicants do not meet the award criteria.

Past Recipients

2001
2000
1999
1998

Alpine Public Library (AZ)
Clearwater County Free Library (ID)
Little Boston Branch of the Kitsap (WA) Regional Library
Littleton (NH) Public Library

Selection of Jury to Administer the Award

The President of the Public Library Association will appoint jury members. The Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award Jury will consist of 1 chair and no more than 9 other members. Jurors must have an awareness of the small and/or rural public library community, its needs and service possibilities.

Deadline for Nominatino of Candidates

The deadline for nomination shall be December 1, 2002. A completed nomination form (and ten copies) must be submitted that includes detailed descriptions of services or special services and supporting documentation.

Presentation of the Award

The jury shall review the candidates and select a winner at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Announcement shall be made at that time. The award shall be presented at the PLA President’s Reception during the ALA Annual Conference.

Donor and Form of the Award

A plaque and a one-thousand dollar ($1,000) cash award from EBSCO Subscription Services.

Nomination Procedure

The nomination describing what this public library has done to meet the criteria for the award with supporting documentation and attachments should accompany this form. Include a description of the library and its community.

Nomination Application

Submit one (1) original and ten (10) copies of the nomination and attachments postmarked by December 1, 2002, to:

Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award
PLA
50 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA.

PLA will forward the applications to the current chair of the Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award Committee. PLA reserves the right to extend the application deadline.