The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the John Cotton Dana Award (JCD). The award, which is managed by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) division of ALA, honours outstanding library public relations. Eight $10,000 grants are awarded each year by the H.W. Wilson Foundation and the annual Awards Tea is sponsored by the ALA and EBSCO Publishing.
The award is named after John Cotton Dana, the father of the modern library, credited with helping transition libraries from reading rooms to community centers. JCD submissions include strategic library communication campaigns from all sizes and types of libraries. Submissions include re-branding efforts, promoting unique archives, awareness campaigns and community partnerships. Entries may be submitted by any library, Friends group, consulting agency or service provider, excluding libraries represented by the JCD Committee members.
JCD entries are organised around the areas such as needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Libraries submit samples of their processes, research, media releases, media coverage or other results received plus evaluation of the results and other documentation and supporting materials that show the scope and effectiveness of the library's strategic communication effort.
In recognition of their achievement, JCD award winners receive a cash development grant from the H.W. Wilson Foundation. The John Cotton Dana Awards are presented during an Awards Tea hosted by EBSCO Publishing held during the American Library Association annual conference. Entry documents are available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/jcd. All entries must be submitted by February 1, 2013.
