Library Information Technology Association (LITA) Technology Innovation Grant

For LITA Committees, Interest Groups and/or Task Forces

Background
The LITA Technology Innovation Grant funds are available to LITA Committees, Interest Groups and/or Task Forces who would like to improve LITA sponsored services or programs that they provide to LITA members through the application of appropriate existing and/or emerging technologies. The grants may be used to improve or enhance existing services or programs through the application of appropriate technologies; or to introduce a new service or program that will benefit LITA members.

Guidelines

• Requests must be in support of the mission and activities of LITA.
• The request must come from an active LITA Committee, Interest Group and/or Task Force.
• Each application should include:
• brief overview of the project
• clearly stated objectives and intended results
• target audience
• realistic timeline for implementation
• budget
• evaluation plan
• Identify a coordinator responsible for implementation. The coordinator must be a member of the LITA Committee, Interest Group and/or Task Force.
• The coordinator must complete and submit the Technology Innovation Grant application to the LITA Executive Committee at least 12 weeks before the project start date.

Costs
The total cost of each award must not exceed $1,000. Up to 2 grants will be awarded between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 for costs associated with the activity. 

Review Process
All proposals will be reviewed by the LITA Executive Committee. Each proposal will be carefully evaluated and must meet the above criteria. Other factors that will be considered are originality and the potential for application in other areas within LITA.

Directions for submission:
All questions should be directed to:
Mary Taylor, Executive Director
 Phone: (312) 280-4267
E-mail: mtaylor@ala.org
All materials should be sent via email to: Mary Taylor at mtaylor@ala.org.

Reporting Requirements

The named coordinator will be expected to submit a written report to the LITA Executive Committee on how their goals were met within one month of the activities completion. A report should also be submitted to the LITA Blog.

Items to be Included in the Application Form

1. Date submitted
2. Name of the LITA Committee, Interest Group and/or Task Force
3. Name of coordinator
4. Coordinator contact information: (should include email address, phone number and address)
5. Name of project
6. Brief overview of the project. Questions that you may want to answer could include:
a. What problem are you trying to solve?
b. What need are you trying to address?
c. Why do you think LITA should support this project?
7. Objectives of the grant.
8. Who is your target audience?
9. Timeline
10. Budget. Include an itemized list of planned expenditures. How will it be used?
11. Evaluation. How will you evaluate the effectiveness of the grant activities?
12. Include any additional information you feel is necessary.