(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) New York, 25 May 2011 – The Elsevier Foundation is seeking new grant proposals for the 2011 Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries program. Providing grants to libraries in the developing world the program aims to improve access to scientific, technical and medical information through innovative systems and services.

• Programs to enhance library infrastructure, technology or information services in ways that significantly expand their ability to make STM (scientific/social sciences, technical and medical) information available to those who need it -- researchers, clinicians, students, policymakers and the wider public.

• Programs that expand library information resources in the developing world through digitization or preservation of information that advances science, health, the environment, and indigenous knowledge.

• Training and education programs for library staff, students or researchers, contributing to sustainable improvements in the library’s capacity to provide STM information in the developing world.

• Partnerships between libraries in the developing countries and institutions in the developed countries to provide technical assistance or training. Developed country partner organizations include libraries, learned societies, universities, intergovernmental organizations and other non-profit organizations.

• Innovation in improving the use of STM information

• A high degree of potential impact on society in the developing world

• Programs that will serve as models for other institutions and countries

• Programs that enhance international partnerships or exchange between individuals and institutions

• Realistic budgets tied to measurable outcomes

• Sustained financial and programmatic viability

• Programs that have institutional supports

• Programs leaders or institutes with record of past success

• Create and promote collaborative networks across institutions and/or disciplines.

• A willingness to draw from the expertise and experience of previous grantees

• Have specific plans for sustainability beyond the funding period.

• Embody plans for dissemination beyond the awardee organization of policies, procedures, and “lessons learned” that are developed during the funding period.

• Cover letter: Provide a one-page description of the objectives and key activities of the program. Include contact details and the amount of funding requested.

• Goals and plan: A clear description of the program goals and implementation plan, including timeframe.

• Innovation: How will the program introduce new ideas, capabilities and/or capacity for the institution or country. How the program would serve as a model for others.

• Impact: The significance of the program’s intended impact on science, health and society in that country or globally.

• Sustainability: How will the benefits of the program be sustained after the grant has been expended.

• Budget: The total amount of the grant requested and justification for the requested amount, including a clear budget overview spreadsheet that indicates in as much detail as possible intended expenditures and other sources of funding, if any.

• Evaluation: How the program will be measured and evaluated and how its results will be reported.

• Organization and partnership: A description of the organization requesting the grant, confirmation of its status as a non-profit entity, and a listing of key officers and staff who will direct the implementation of the program. Description of key program partners, if any.

• Length: Applications may only be submitted online through the Elsevier Foundation’s online application system.

   

• Final Report for Awarded Grants: The Elsevier Foundation requires a final report from grantees at the time of completion of funded activities. The report should be both descriptive and evaluative, and include:

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