Express Library Technology Improvement Award
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) Southeastern/Atlantic Region (SE/A), as part of its outreach plan, offers the Express Library Technology Improvement Award to full primary access libraries and affiliate Network members in the region.
Award Goals
The goal of the Express Library Technology Improvement Award is to enable libraries to digitize or automate a library service to increase its accessibility within or without the institution.
Potential Projects
Potential projects include but are not limited to: Purchase of a single software package or the necessary equipment to enhance or start a specific library service such as electronic document delivery, remote reference or information services, mobile services.
Some examples of eligible purchases include, but are not limited to:
Specialized software package, such as:
- Adobe, Microsoft Access, etc.
- Online library catalog
- Content management system
- Web development tools
- Mobile technology
- Equipment and software
Awardee should check the National Training Center and Clearinghouse (http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/) prior to developing new classes. New classes developed must be submitted to the NTCC for inclusion in the Clearinghouse.
To see descriptions of funded Express Library Technology Improvement Award projects - link to Projects Funded by SE/A Region and NN/LM - 2006-2011
Eligibility Requirements
- Full primary access and affiliate Network members in Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Award must be used to enhance a specific library project or service.
- A Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Maryland, Baltimore is required for this award.
Application Process
- Eligible members can apply for up to $3,500 for each project.
- A minimum of seven awards per year is planned.
- Applications must received by September 30, 2008.
Complete the award application at: http://nnlm.gov/sea/funding/exlibtechform.html
Budget Guidelines
Funding will cover the direct cost of the software, equipment, high speed Internet access and applicable maintenance agreement.
No personnel or indirect costs are allowed for this award.
If mobile technology or computer hardware is proposed, please be prepared to submit the following upon approval of the award:
- For technology or computer hardware purchases under $3,000 – submit catalog pricing.
- For technology or computer hardware purchases $3,000 or more – submit three (3) vendor quotes (valid preferably for 60 days, minimum of 30 days). Quotes may include General Service Administration (GSA) price lists. Reference: http://www.gsa.gov.
- For personal appeal
Items such as cameras, MP3 Players, Smartphones, and laptop computers
the proposal must address the following:
- Purpose: There is a legitimate purpose for the items, and use of the items by the awardee will be managed in accordance with institutional policy.
- Appropriate Use: Items will not be used in a way that would discredit the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or the applicable Institution.
- Cost Effective: Must demonstrate requested items are cost effective and appropriate. For example, will generic brands satisfy the minimum requirements? If not, the proposal/request must describe 1) why it is necessary to purchase branded products, 2) benefits in brand name products. How will items further the mission of the NN/LM and achieve the objectives of the contract?
Vendor quotes are necessary to determine price reasonable for purchase of $3,000 or more. The absence of competitive quotes must be documented and justified.
Period of Performance
Projects should be completed within 12 months of project award.
Selection Criteria
Criteria for selection include: described need for the project, feasibility of project plan to meet project objectives, feasibility of the evaluation plan and ability to sustain the project.
Reporting Requirements
Quarterly reports of project activities, including progress made toward goals and problems encountered, and completion of outreach reporting activity forms are required. A final report covering the entire period of performance is due within 30 days of the close of the project.
If training is conducted as part of the project, the awardee will complete a record of the event in the online outreach activity and reporting system within 2 weeks of the activity. The NN/LM SE/A office will provide an instruction manual for inputting this information into the system.
In addition to the aforementioned reporting requirements, the awardee shall provide copies of all communications, materials produced, press releases, advertisements, and articles for newsletters related to the project. In accepting the award, the awardee gives permission for use of such materials by the NLM and NN/LM.
Publication and Publicity
The awardee shall acknowledge the support of the National Library of Medicine whenever publicizing the work under this award in any media by including an acknowledgment substantially as follows:
This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. N01-LM-6-3502 with the University of Maryland Baltimore.
NIH Policy on Enhancing Public Access to Archived Publications Resulting from NIH-Funded Research
The Policy requests that beginning May 2, 2005, NIH-funded investigators submit to the NIH National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) PubMed Central (PMC) an electronic version of the author’s final manuscript, upon acceptance for publication, resulting from research supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH. NIH defines the author’s final manuscript as the final version accepted for journal publication, and includes all modifications from the publishing peer review process. The PMC archive will preserve permanently these manuscripts for use by the public, health care providers, educators, scientists, and NIH. The Policy directs electronic submissions to the NIH/NLM/PMC: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov. Additional information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-022.html.
Website Compliance
If a website is developed under this award, the website must adhere to Section 508 compliance. Resources for this compliance include the National Library of Medicine Web Applications/Site Development Guidelines (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/web/documentation/index.html) and Summary of Section 508 Standards (http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=11).
Resources for Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Outreach Projects
Measuring the Difference:
Guide to Planning and Evaluating Health Information Outreach
Planning and Evaluating
Health Information Outreach Projects Series
Logic
Model Development Guide - W.B. Kellogg Foundation (
)
NN/LM and SE/A
web sites have links to various training courses that may be
of interest. Or, awardee may consult with the Outreach Evaluation
Resource Center for assistance with development of an evaluation
plan.
Need Assistance?
For information or application materials contact our office at 1-800-338-7657.
