Rationale
This award recognizes a library's achievement in planning and implementing an innovative or creative program or service, which has had measurable impact on its users. The purpose of this award is to encourage innovation by highlighting the overall activities of a library (including staff, administration, governance, and volunteers) in successfully marshaling its resources to benefit its users.

Eligibility
Libraries of any size and type are eligible for this award.

Long Term Availability
One award to a library will be presented each year for a period of three years. If a suitable recipient is not found, the award will not be given in that year. At the end of this threeyear period, both ILA and Highsmith will evaluate the award to determine whether it should be continued, amended, or terminated. Continuation will be by mutual consent.

Selection Process
The ILA Awards Committee will make selection of recipients from nominations submitted to the ILA office before the deadline when the nominations are closed. Only one nomination is necessary for the award to be made; however, the ILA Awards Committee is responsible for determining whether or not the nominee meets the criteria of the award. In the event that no deserving nominations are received, the ILA Awards Committee members may not then nominate a recipient. The Awards Committee shall compose the citation for the plaque.

Presentation
The award shall be presented during the ILA Annual Conference. A representative designated by Highsmith will be granted the opportunity to present the award and make brief, substantive remarks.

Liaison
Highsmith will designate a representative who would be available at the request of ILA or its designated committee to be of any assistance in the promotion or administration of the award.

Criteria

• The recipient must be a library rather than an individual.
• The nominee will have designed and executed an innovative or creative program or service.
• The program or service must have had a measurable impact on its users.
• Innovation can be what is new to a particular library and library population and has a major impact on the community.

Award Winners
The recipient will be presented with a plaque and $1,000 financial award to be provided by Highsmith.

Sponsor Contact
Kristen Kochan
Highsmith, Inc.
W5527 State Rd. 106
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
phone: (920) 563-9571
fax: (920) 563-7395
e-mail: kkochan@highsmith.com

Highsmith presents its own award and check.