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1. Applications may be submitted either in writing, or in video (film) format. For further details see points 7 and 8, below.
2. Applications may be submitted in English, Russian, French 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). If you submit your application using video format, you may use your mother-tongue, but the video must have clear subtitles in English.
3. Only applications submitted by public and community libraries from developing and transition countries are eligible and will be passed for review by experts.
4. Past and present EIFL-PLIP grantee libraries may not apply for an Innovation Award for an 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 2021. It should have been operational for at least six (6) months and be operational at the time of application.
6. Only one service/activity relating to one of the three pressing global issues can be presented in the application. If you have services/activities in more than one issue area, you should submit separate applications (using a separate application form) for each service/activity.
7. If you decide to submit your application in writing, make sure that:
- You fill in the Application form in full.
- Your application is supported by 3 photos capturing the innovative service/activity presented in the application.
8. If you decide to submit your application in video format, make sure that:
- The video incorporates all the information required by the Application form (doc), including (1) Information about your library (2) Background to the service/activity (3) Description of the service/activity and why it is innovative (4) Results / impact of the service/activity. You must study the Application form (doc) carefully for explanations of the information required.
- The video is less than five minutes in length.
- The video has clear English subtitles.
- The video is uploaded to YouTube.
9. We will only accept applications (written or video) that are submitted through the EIFL online submission system. If you need technical assistance with registration on the system, or uploading your application, please get in touch with us via e-mail plip@eifl.net.
An e-mail help desk will be available during the period the Innovation Award call is open. Please feel free to contact us at plip@eifl.net. The language of communication is English.
10. The deadline for applications is Monday, 20 November 2023.
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 selected issue. 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 (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.
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.
What do we mean 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 2021?
You can apply, if you have introduced some new and innovative aspects in 2021 or later to improve your service/activity effectiveness and impact, and describe them in the application. By innovation, 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.