1. We will only accept applications that are submitted through the EIFL online submission system. If you need technical assistance with creating an account, or filling in the online application, please get in touch with us via e-mail plip@eifl.net. We advise you not to leave creating an account on the online submission system and filling in the online application to the last minute!
2. Applications may be submitted in English, French, Russian, and Spanish (these are the main international languages that EIFL-PLIP staff and expert reviewers can read and understand, and we have chosen these languages for administrative purposes). You will be able to choose your preferred language on the EIFL online submission system. To prepare for filling in the online application form, please download and review the form in Word: English, French, Russian, Spanish.
3. Only applications submitted by public and community libraries from developing and transition countries are eligible.
4. Past and present EIFL-PLIP grantee libraries may not apply for an Innovation Award for the EIFL-PLIP-funded service/activity. However, they may submit an application for a service/activity not funded by EIFL-PLIP that qualifies for this award. Past EIFL Public Library Innovation Award winners may not apply for a service/activity that has received an EIFL Innovation Award in the past, but may submit an application for a different service/activity.
5. The service/activity should have started during or after January 2022. It should have been operational for at least six (6) months and be operational at the time of application.
6. You may submit more than one service/activity for the award. For each service/activity presented for this call, you must fill in a separate application form.
7. All sections of the online Application Form must be completed. You may consider drafting your application in the Word version of the form, saving it and transferring text (copy & paste) to the online form to avoid losing your work due to breaks in connectivity or any other technical issues.
8. Your application must be supported by 3 photos capturing the innovative programme/activity presented in the application. All attachments must be uploaded to the EIFL electronic submission system.
9. The application must be signed by an authorized representative of the organization. The Application Signature page (you will find it in the Word version of the application form) should be signed, saved as a PDF or JPG document, and uploaded to the EIFL electronic submission system.
10. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 12 November 2024.
An e-mail help desk is available for the period the Innovation Award call is open. Please feel free to contact us at plip@eifl.net. The language of communication is English.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications will be reviewed by international experts. Each application will be reviewed independently by at least two evaluators.
Experts will focus on the quality of the application, based on the following criteria:
I) Quality of application and innovativeness of the library service/activity addressing the call’s theme. Innovation means that the service/activity has never been done in this place before, has never focused on a specific target group before, was never done with a particular partner, or partners before, was never done properly before or never used technology (or a particular kind of technology) before.
II) Results and impact of the service/activity, such as quantitative and qualitative evidence of positive impact on service users and community, including statistics, user surveys and testimonials of users and other beneficiaries.
III) Application demonstrates use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the service/activity.
KEY DATES:
- Announcement of the call: 28 August, 2024
- Deadline for applications: 12 November, 2024
- Applicants to be informed of results: December 2024
- Public announcement of the winners: January 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What countries are eligible to apply?
The call is open to applicants from transition and developing countries. See the complete list.
What kind of libraries may apply?
Public and community libraries may apply.
- A public library is a library that is open to the general public, and which makes all kinds of knowledge and information available. The main source of funding is the local/regional/national government.
- A community library is a library which is primarily supported by community contributions, and which makes all kinds of knowledge and information available.
Are services/activities that have been funded by EIFL-PLIP eligible?
No, they are not. EIFL-PLIP grantee libraries may not apply for an Innovation Award for the EIFL-PLIP-funded service/activity even if the grant contract period is over.
However, libraries that have received funding from EIFL-PLIP may submit an application for any services/activities not funded by EIFL-PLIP that are qualified for the award category.
Are services/activities that have won an EIFL Public Library Innovation Award in the past eligible?
No, they are not. However, libraries that have received an award (or awards) in the past may submit an application for a different service/activity that is qualified for the 18th award theme.
What do we mean by innovative?
The EIFL Public Library Innovation Award seeks to identify successful practical implementation of new and novel ideas and approaches to using digital technology in public library services that bring about meaningful change in addressing community needs. By innovative we mean that the service/activity has never been done in this place before, has never focused on a specific target group before, was never done with a particular partner, or partners before, was never done properly before or never used digital technology (or a particular kind of digital technology) before.
What if the service/activity started before January 2022?
You can apply, if you have introduced some new and innovative aspects in 2022 or later to improve your service/activity effectiveness and impact, and describe them in the application.