THE 2006 GIANT STEP AWARD

Thomson Gale and School Library Journal have developed the annual Giant Step Award to recognize school and public libraries that have made significant improvement or created new initiatives in programs and services that greatly impact student learning and development, or enrich services both in the school and in the community. We are looking for programs that, over the past three years, have made a real difference in their institution.

Up to $10,000 Awarded in Cash Prizes

Thomson Gale will award $5,000 to each winning school and public library, a celebration at the ALA Annual Conference, and a cover story in School Library Journal (SLJ).

ACT TODAY

The 2006 Giant Step Award nominations will be accepted through February 15, 2006. Follow the entry guidelines below. If you have any questions, call Phyllis Levy Mandell at School Library Journal at 646-746-6763 (or toll-free at 1-866-436-0727, ext. 6763).

THE GIANT STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

Who is eligible?
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 (a single library/branch library or an entire library system). Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply if the project meets the time frame.

What will judges look for in an award application?
Quantitative and qualitative documentation that proves significant advancements in your library that have most improved services to students in the last three years.

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, press clippings, videos, photos, Web site addresses, or printed Web site pages.

Please provide six copies of the application form, along with a thorough explanation of how your library has taken a giant step. Applications must be received by Feb. 15, 2006.

Who will judge the entries?
School Library Journal editors will prescreen applications. Judges from school and public libraries and Thomson Gale will select a school and a public library winner.

The School Library Journal/Thomson Gale 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? _____________________

All applications require the signature of a certified media specialist/librarian:

___________________________________________ Date: ______________

GIANT STEP QUESTIONS

Please answer the following questions, each on a separate sheet of paper. Send six copies of each sheet.

1. Tell us about your library prior to taking a giant step. What audience did you serve, what was lacking, what was the circulation, what were the staff and budget?

2. Explain the program that resulted in your taking a giant step. Be specific in terms of how your services, programs, and collections have changed. Indicate goals, partnerships, collaboration between public and school libraries, funding sources that helped you meet your objectives.

3. Compare the improved climate and current relationship with the community the library serves today versus the way things were prior to the improvements. What needs did your program fulfill and how did they positively impact your community?

4. Explain how you were able to obtain buy-in from either your administrator (school library) or your library director (public library) that led to better support of your program.

5. Detail your long-term strategy for success, and how you plan on sustaining a high level of service?

6. Explain how you measured the impact of your program, and its impact on students, teachers, and parents. Statistics, benchmarks, and anecdotal information would be helpful.

7. What guidelines, professional literature, resources did you turn to make this giant step possible?

8. Could your program be easily replicated in other libraries? If so, how?

DEADLINE: Feb. 15, 2006

Mail six copies of this form and responses to the above questions to:
SLJ/Thomson Gale Giant Step Award
School Library Journal
360 Park AvenueSouth
New York, NY10010