Innovative Program Award

This award is open to New Jersey academic, public, school, and special libraries, as well as consortia. All New Jersey libraries are encouraged to participate regardless of size, budget, or technological limitations.

CRITERIA:

• This award recognizes a program or program series that engages its community or meets a community need in an innovative and creative way.
• Eligible entries will be judged on originality and creativity of the program(s) content and presentation, effectiveness of community engagement, and the demonstrated impact on the community.
• The library operating budget, the total cost of the program and program attendance will be taken into consideration.
• This award judges the program content only. Any marketing for the program can be submitted for the Public Relations Award. You are allowed to submit a nomination for the same program for both awards.

Entries will be considered in 3 divisions as specified below:

• Libraries with a total operating budget of up to $1 million
• Libraries with a total operating budget of $1 million to $4 million
• Libraries with a total operating budget over $4 million

NOTE: Total operating budget includes staff salaries.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Branch libraries’ entries should be submitted under main library budget guidelines
• The program or at least one part of the series must be presented during the awards fiscal year: April 2023 - March 2024
• Entries not following the specified directions will be disqualified
• All submissions become the property of NJLA and will not be returned

Use the online submission form https://forms.gle/JVEJxgQX2AR52M9J8 to upload a statement of support and provide additional documentation with detailed information about the qualifications of the program nomination.

In addition, if appropriate, please send one printed copy of your submission form to: