Enter Acer’s Library Makeover Contest to Win 10 New Notebooks

By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 11/2/2009

If your school library is in need of a tech overhaul, enter Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest and possibly win 10 new notebooks and two desktop computers for your media center.

Sponsored by Acer and Intel, the contest is open to K-12 public and private school across the country, giving the winner a chance to transform his library into a 21st century learning lab.

The winner will receive Acer’s Aspire Timeline laptops, valued at nearly $10,000, which feature Intel ultra-low-voltage (ULV) processors. At less than 24-millimeters thick, the Aspire Timeline series is 40 percent more efficient than traditional laptops and achieves a battery life of more than eight hours, ideal for school library environments and for conserving energy.

According to SLJ’s 2009 spending survey, tech spending by libraries has hit a plateau in these tough economic times and most have no plans to add more equipment.

The average number of computers in school libraries rose by grade level—from 10 computers in elementary school media centers to 18 in middle school to 27 in high schools. The average number of computers in a lab peaked at 34 in middle school, which might reflect more project-based learning or larger class sizes, the survey adds.

"Encouraging students to utilize libraries can help establish a lifelong pattern of learning,” says Richard Black, director of marketing for Acer America Corp. “That's why it's important that school libraries have access to the latest technology that can open minds and inspire kids to reach their potential. Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest is an opportunity for schools to keep pace with new technology during a climate of tightening resources and difficult budget choices."

All that’s required of nominees is a brief summary statement explaining why your school deserves to win the library makeover. Applicants also have the option of including photos and video as support material.

Following the nomination period, a panel of expert judges will evaluate each entry and select a pool of finalists. Then, from February 1 to March 31, 2010, the public will vote and the school that collects the most votes wins the grand prize.

Librarians, teachers, school staff members, teachers, parents, and even students are encouraged to submit an application by Jan. 8, 2010.

The complete terms and conditions for the contest are available online.