Maine Library Excellence Award Program, 2008
The Maine Library Excellence Award will not be given in 2009. Watch this site for details in the future.
Application
The statewide Excellence Award program is co-sponsored by the Maine State Library, Maine Regional Library System, Maine Library Association, Friends of Maine Libraries, and the Maine Library Trustee Association.
Excellence Award Process
The Maine Library Excellence Committee announces the 2008 Excellence Award program, as follows:
- Must indicate by August 1 your intent to apply; contact Valerie Osborne at the Northeastern Maine Library District Office at Bangor Public Library. Valerie.Osborne@bpl.lib.me.us
- The application deadline has been moved to September 1, 2008.
- The monetary award is $500.
- The award will be presented during the Libraries Futures Conference at the combined districts’ fall council meeting, October 3, 2008 in Augusta.
- Awards will be offered in two population categories:
- Libraries serving populations of 10,000 or more
- Libraries serving populations below 10,000
Entries may be submitted for either a successful ongoing program established at any time, or for a one-time program conducted during the past three years.
Nominations
Nominations will be judged based on these three key factors:
- How the program or service benefits the community, such as: influencing peoples’ lives, promoting a sense of community, or fulfilling a need.
- How the program or service shows creativity/innovation: for example: thinking “outside the box,” an unusual or unique approach, theme, or focus.
- Whether the program or service can be replicated in other libraries, for example: what resources are needed? Is the program sustainable? Does it require specialized personnel?
Judging and Award
Judges from New England states will represent various library constituencies, such as friends, trustees, library associations and individual libraries. Winners will receive a $500 cash award, a plaque, recognition at statewide library events, and the use of an excellence award banner for one year. The award is presented by the State Librarian to the award recipients at their libraries.
If there are an insufficient number of applications, the selection committee reserves the right to forego making an award in one or both population categories.
Application Requirements
- Intent to apply must be received by June 1 via email: Valerie.Osborne@bpl.lib.me.us
- Only one entry is allowed per library.
- Entries may be submitted for either a successful ongoing program established at any time, OR for a one-time program conducted during the past three years (since 2005). Note: Construction projects are not eligible
- Award recipients will be ineligible to apply for a period of three years following their selection.
- Applicants must meet the following Maine Public Library Standards:
- Complete and return the Annual Report to the Maine State Library.
- Belong to the Maine Regional Library System.
- Have an exterior sign which clearly identifies the building as a library.
- Distribute a brochure and/or maintain a website describing the library facilities, resources, services, hours and rules.
Entries
- Entries must be contained in a three-ring soft-cover notebook (no larger than 1” thick) with supporting materials either in plastic sleeves or on 8 ½” x 11” sheets.
- Photos, press releases, brochures, and charts may be included in the notebook.
- No audio/visual or 3-D objects please.
- Four copies of the notebook must be submitted by Noon, September 1, 2008 to:
- Valerie Osborne, Northeastern Maine Library District Consultant, c/o Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine.
- Please note: Entries will not be returned; therefore you may wish to make an extra copy for your records.
Questions
Questions should be directed to the District Consultants.
