2008 Giant Step Award

-- School Library Journal, 10/26/2006

GALE AND SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL PROUDLY ANNOUNCE
THE 2008 GIANT STEP AWARD

Gale, part of Cengage Learning, 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 2008 Giant Step Award nominations will be accepted through February11, 2008. 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, photos, Web site addresses, or printed Web site pages.

Please provide eight (8) copies of the completed application. Applications must be received by February 11, 2008.

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

The School Library Journal/Gale Giant Step Award Application

Name of school/library: ________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT MUST BE A CERTIFIED LIBRARIAN.

Name of person applying:_____________________________

Title:_____________________________________________

Phone:______________________________

e-mail:______________________________

If school, check one:

( ) Single public school

( ) Public school district

( ) Private or independent school

( ) Other, please describe

Indicate grade levels served: ________________

Enrollment:__________________________________

If public library, check one:

( ) Single library

( ) Branch library

( ) Library system

( ) Other, please describe

School(s) your library serves: _____________________________________________

Check 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 eight (8) complete copies of the entire application.

1. Describe your library prior to taking a giant step. Discuss your demographics, staffing, budget, collection, and services. What audience did you serve? What aspects of your library’s service failed to meet the needs of your population and needed to be improved?

2. Explain the giant step(s) that your library took to improve service. Indicate specific changes made and programs instituted. Indicate partnerships and 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 specific needs did your giant steps fulfill and how did they positively impact your community? What impact did your library’s giant step have on student achievement? Explain how you measured the impact of your program on students, teachers, and the community. Statistics, benchmarks, and anecdotal information would be helpful.

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

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

DEADLINE: Feb.11, 2008

Mail eight (8) copies of the entire completed application (including responses to the questions) to:

SLJ/Gale Giant Step Award
School Library Journal
360 Park AvenueSouth
New York, NY10010

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