Guidelines & application form: Pierre Gorman Award

The Pierre Gorman Award is valued at $25,000, and it's awarded by the Library Board of Victoria to support improved access to library services for people with a disability. Applications for the 2014 Pierre Gorman Award will open in October 2013.

Eligibility

The award is open to:

• Victorian public libraries – applications may be either from individual library services or more than one service submitting a joint proposal. In the interests of fostering linkage opportunities, applications proposing partnership/s with appropriate disability agencies or service providers are encouraged
• individuals employed in the Victorian public library industry for professional development to cater for the special needs of people with a disability

Requirements

A key focus of the award is innovation, particularly in relation to service delivery or development.

Within six months of the completion of the program identified in the award proposal, the award recipient must forward a brief overview report summarising the outcomes achieved. This report will be submitted to the Library Board of Victoria's Advisory Committee on Public Libraries and should include an acquittal of funds.

The award recipient will be expected to share the enhanced skills or learning gained through an agreed process of networking with the public library sector and/or allied agencies to maximise the collective benefits of the award.

Selection process

If you have previously applied and been unsuccessful, you can resubmit your application or reapply with a different proposal. If you have previously received a Pierre Gorman Award, you must wait five years before submitting another application.

Applications must be submitted using the award's application template (which you can download below) and must include:

• a project description that clearly identifies key outcomes sought and potential contribution of the project to library and information service research and/or practice in Victoria. There should also be a demonstration of commitment from the parent organisation and possible linkage to the parent organisation's disability action plan as appropriate
• a timeline for completion/implementation of the project or program
• performance indicators by which the success of the project or program will be evaluated
• an outline of how the program or project supported by the award will be promoted to potential users or beneficiaries
• an outline of any partnerships to be developed or enhanced through the proposal, with written support from the prospective partners
• a project budget that includes other funding contributions as applicable, timeframes, and clear evidence of operational capacity to implement the project (such as time availability, accommodation, and administration and systems infrastructure as appropriate)
• a demonstration of the linkages between the proposal and the Framework for collaborative action's goals and emphasis on innovation and increased interaction between libraries and other agencies

All applications will be assessed by a panel to be determined by the Library Board of Victoria's Advisory Committee on Public Libraries. Applicants may be asked to provide more information in writing. Interviews may be arranged for shortlisted applicants.

The Board reserves the right not to award the funds.

More information

You can discuss your proposal and application with the award administrator before applying. For more information contact Harlinah Teoh by phoning 03 8664 7400 or emailing hteoh@slv.vic.gov.au