PLA's Highsmith Library Innovation Award recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community. (As part of the evaluation process with the vendor, after three years the emphasis may change to reflect new trends and needs.) A plaque and a $2,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1996. Sponsored by Highsmith Inc.

Highsmith Library Innovation Award

To nominate a library for this award, please visit PLA's Awards Online Application.

Purpose and Criteria

The Highsmith Library Innovation Award recognizes a public library's innovative and creative service program to the community. Any innovative, cutting-edge program, activity or service will be considered. Has your library developed a dynamic solution to a problem? Have you been able to reach a special population through a unique program? Has your special marketing campaign brought dramatic, measurable results? If so, you're eligible to apply. The winner of this award will receive a check in the amount of $2,000 and a plaque from Highsmith, Inc.

Past Recipients

2007 Athens-Clarke County (Ga.) Library
2006 Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, Maine
2005 Richmond (BC) Public Library
2004 Maricopa County (Ariz.) Library District
2003 Plattesville (Colo.) Public Library
2002 Santa Fe Springs (Calif.) Library
2001 Bartlesville (Okla.) Public Library
2000 Clearwater County (Idaho) Free Library
1999 Richmond (BC) Public Library
1998 Medina County Library District
1997 Queens Borough (N.Y.) Public Library

Eligibility

Public libraries of any size are eligible for this award, with one exception:
Public libraries having employees on the current Highsmith Library Innovation Award jury are ineligible to receive the Highsmith Library Innovation Award. You must agree to allow PLA to publicize your program if it is selected as the winner.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must submit the attached application form, describing the public library's innovative achievement in creative programs for the library community, intended to increase the use of or improve awareness of public libraries.

Programs should be unique and cutting-edge and must have had measurable impact on the library's clientele. Proposals will be judged on the following:

Collaborative efforts of the staff and community in the planning and implementation process.
Measurements of success in the community based on usage, program attendance, or greater community awareness.
Sustainability of the program over time.
Program can be replicated by other public libraries.
Quality and appropriateness of submitted materials (supporting documents may be included).

Number and Frequency of Award

Only one public library shall receive this annual award. No award shall be given if applicants do not meet the award criteria.

Application

To nominate a library for this award, please visit PLA's Awards Online Application.

PLA will forward the nomination to the current chair of the PLA Highsmith Library Innovation Award Jury. PLA reserves the right to extend the application deadline.