FYI,

Do you believe in the power of technology to shape library services? Have you or a colleague used technology in an innovative way to enhance patron services? If so, we encourage you to apply for RUSA/ETS' Best Emerging Technology Application Award! The award offers $3,000 to an individual or group in recognition of a technology application that directly benefits library users. The award is generously co-sponsored by Chatstaff and LibraryH3lp.

Eligibility

The award is open to any library employee or group of library employees provided that the following conditions are met. Neither ALA nor RUSA membership is required.

1. The award application describes an implementation of a technology that has directly impacted library patrons.
2. The implementation took place no more than 2 years prior to the application deadline, which is currently February 12, 2021.

Evaluation Criteria

Each written application is evaluated using the following criteria:

• Creativity of the use of technology to improve patron services
• Impact on patrons
• Sustainability of the technological application
• Quality of the plan for assessing the technological application

Application Process Timeline

• February 12, 2021 - Submission Deadline for Applications on the BETA website at bit.ly/RUSABETA 
• March 2021 - ETS Best Emerging Technology Application Committee reviews applications (see www.ala.org/rusa/best-emerging-tech-award-beta)
• April 2021 - Winner notified

 How to Apply or Nominate someone else

To apply: If you would like to apply for the award or nominate someone else's project, please visit the BETA website at bit.ly/RUSABETA. The committee will contact nominees to encourage them to apply.  

Submission Deadline: February 12, 2021.

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Nichole O'Connor
Program Officer - YALSA
American Library Association
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