Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award
The **Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award** is an annual award recognizing a school library that has conducted an exemplary program or program series in the humanities during the current school year. This award is sponsored by the American Library Association’s Cultural Communities Fund in cooperation with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) [1].
Overview
Year of Establishment and Background Story
The award has been established to recognize and promote exemplary humanities programming in school libraries. The exact year of establishment is not specified in the provided guidelines.
Key Milestones in the Company’s History and Growth
- Annual Award: The award is given annually.
- Eligibility Criteria: The award is open to school libraries that have conducted an exemplary program or program series in the humanities during the current school year [1].
Application and Submission Information
Application Process
The application process for the Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is straightforward. The application period is open from February 1, 2024, to May 1, 2024. All submissions must be submitted online through ALA Apply, the grants management platform.
To apply, you will need to provide the following information:
- Project Name
- Project Director Information
- School and Program Details
- Narrative outlining the program's objectives, activities, and outcomes
- Supporting Materials (e.g., photographs, PowerPoint slides, posters)
- Video URLs (optional)
- Certifying Official Information
- Review and Edit Application
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on May 1, 2024 [1].
Review and Selection Process
Selection Committee
The selection committee for the Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is composed of experts in the field of school librarianship and humanities programming. The committee consists of:
- Chair, appointed by AASL
- Chair-elect, appointed by AASL
- Member of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
- Member of the Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee (PCPAC) [1].
Award Administration Information
Award Timeline
The Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is announced in June, with the award ceremony taking place in July. The winning school library will be featured in a webinar during the fall/winter months, showcasing their exemplary program to a wider audience.
- Award Notification Date: June 7, 2024
- Award Distribution Date: July 2024
- Webinar with Winner: Fall/Winter 2024 (based on winner availability) [1].
Points of Contact
Contact Information
For any questions regarding the Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award, please contact the Public Programs Office of the American Library Association:
Phone: 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5045
Email: [email protected] [1].
Pros and Cons of Applying for the Award
Pros
- Recognition: The award provides a prestigious platform for showcasing the school library's excellence in humanities programming.
- Promotion: The winning library is promoted through a webinar as a model program, reaching a wide audience of school librarians and educators.
- Financial Support: The winner receives a $5,000 cash award, which can be used to further support the library's programs and initiatives.
Cons
- Eligibility Criteria: The award is specifically for school libraries with exemplary humanities programming, limiting its scope.
- Application Process: The application process requires a comprehensive and detailed submission, which might demand significant effort and time.
Conclusion
The Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award is a valuable recognition for school libraries that excel in humanities programming. The award provides financial support, promotes the winning library as a model program, and acknowledges the important role that school libraries play in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Award
For detailed information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and other questions, please refer to the ALA's Sara Jaffarian Award guidelines.
References
- [1] https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/jaffarianaward/guidelines
