Gale Group and School Library Journal Proudly Announce The Giant Step Award 2001
Staff -- School Library Journal, 1/1/2001
Any library that takes small steps to rise above the ordinary is commendable. But when an institution beats all odds to achieve greatness, or does something so innovative as to fundamentally change its relationship with the community, that deserves special recognition. That's why The Gale Group and School Library Journal created The Giant Step Award. In granting this award, we honor the school library or public library that demonstrates the biggest turnaround in serving children and/or young adults during the past three years. $10,000 AWARD PLUS MORE MAKE AN IMPRESSION ACT TODAY THE GIANT STEP APPLICATION PROCESS Who is eligible? Previous applicants may resubmit if the project meets the new time frame. What will judges look for in an award application" What documentation should I provide? Supportive information will be helpful to the judges. Feel free to include innovative projects from students, planning documents, annual reports, brochures, newsletters, statistical reports, testimonial letters, press clippings, videos, photos, Web site addresses, or printed Web site pages. Who will judge the entries? Note: School Library Journal and The Gale Group reserve the right not to give the award in a given year if a suitable winner is not found. How will I know if my library has won? For questions about the application, call Demetrius Watson, departmental secretary, School Library Journal, 212-463-6759. The School Library Journal/Gale Group Giant Step Award Application Name of school/library: ________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Name of person applying:_____________________________________________ Title:___________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________________ e-mail:______________________________ If school, check off type: ( ) Single public school ( ) Public school district ( ) Private or independent school ( ) Other, please describe Indicate grade levels served: ________________ Enrollment:__________________________________ If public library, check off type: ( ) Single library ( ) Branch library ( ) Library system ( ) Other, please describe School(s) your library serves: _____________________________________________ Check off all youth populations served: ( ) Children ( ) Young adult Approximately how many people under age 18 does your library serve? _______________ What is your library's total annual materials budget? _________ FOUR GIANT STEP QUESTIONS Please answer the following questions, each on a separate sheet of paper. Send six copies of each sheet. 1. Describe your community and library users. 2. What needs or problems existed in your library or community that prompted you to initiate this project? 3. Describe your project/initiative and its objectives. Include information on timeframe, partnerships, funding sources and budget to achieve these goals. 4. What change(s) occurred as a result of the project and which ones had the greatest impact on young people? Statistical and anecdotal information will be helpful. DEADLINE: MAY 31, 2001 Mail six copies of this form and responses to the four questions to: SLJ/Gale Group Giant Step Award
The Giant Step Award is a $10,000 annual cash prize sponsored by The Gale Group and School Library Journal, awarded to any U.S. or Canadian library that has risen to provide exemplary services to young people. The Winner is also granted a selection of Gale Group reference materials, a local celebration, and a feature article in School Library Journal.
What have you done that has transformed your library? Renovated Space? Increased circulation or usage stats? Increased funding? Bolstered program attendance? Initiated a successful public relations campaign? Helped integrate library media into the curriculum? These are just a sample of the giant steps that could qualify your library as a winner.
The Giant Step Award nominations will be accepted from February 1 through May 31, 2001. The winner will be announced in September 2001. Follow the entry guidelines below, or receive a printed copy by calling School Library Journal at 212-463-6763 or your Gale Group representative at 800-877-GALE.
U.S. and Canadian school library media centers (an individual library media center or entire district's library media services programs) and the youth services departments in U.S. and Canadian public libraries that partner with local schools (a single library/branch library or an entire library system).
Materials that prove significant advancements in your library that have most improved services to students in the last three years.
Please provide six copies of the application form, along with a thorough explanation of how your library has taken a giant step (there are four questions on the application form that will guide you). Applications must be received by May 31, 2001.
School Library Journal editors will prescreen applications. Five judges--two from school library media programs, two from youth services departments in public libraries, and one Gale Group curriculum specialist--will recommend a single winner. The judging committee may also schedule library visits to help in the decision-making process.
The winning library will be contacted in mid-August.
School Library Journal
245 W. 17th St.
New York, NY 10011.
