PLA Library Innovation Award Jury

Charge and Work

To select annually a recipient of the PLA Library Innovation Award , which 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.

Deliverables and outcomes:

  • For the jury chair and members:
    • Stay apprised of the timeline in which PLA staff opens and closes the nomination application webpage via notices on PLA’s website and PLA members-only emails
    • Review award applications and supporting materials
    • Monitor award criteria and, if necessary, recommend changes in criteria or the jury’s charge
    • Increase awareness of the award and the number of applicants by spreading the word about the call for nominations
  • For the jury chair:
    • Communicate meeting plans with the members of the jury
    • Lead virtual deliberation meetings
    • Vote on a winner in case of a tie among jury members
    • Contact the award’s winner(s) and confirm their acceptance of award
    • Complete jury selection form and send same to jury’s staff liaison

Expected time commitment:

  • Review award applications and supporting materials (1–3 hours/year)
  • Attend virtual deliberation meetings (2–3 hours/year)
  • Respond to emails (1–2 hours/year)

Desired skills, knowledge, or experience:

  • Experience working as a member of a virtual team
  • Ability to critically analyze award submissions and eligibility criteria
  • Strong communication skills

Roster

No roster found.

Displaying active committee roster as of 03/28/2024. Last retrieved on 03/28/2024. Members can log in and refresh the page to view full contact information for committee members.

Composition

The Upstart Innovation Award Jury consists of members appointed from the membership at large serving 2 year terms and led by a chair.

Origin

Established at the request of the PLA Board.

Get Involved

To be a thriving, vibrant organization, PLA must have committed and active committee members. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please read and fill out the online volunteer form.

  • Volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis.
  • Appointments are made by the PLA President and President-Elect, primarily in the spring.
  • Volunteers must be members of ALA and PLA.

Stay connected with fellow PLA members in the PLA Member Community on ALA Connect. PLA personal membership is required to participate.

Staff Liaison

Megan Stewart
Program Coordinator
312-280-5026
mstewart@ala.org