Innovative libraries preparing children and youth for the future

Over 85% of the world’s young people live in developing or transition economy countries. EIFL’s Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) invites public and community libraries in these countries to apply for grants to develop new services that use information and communication technologies in new and creative ways to serve the needs of children and youth.

The grant

You can apply for a grant of up to US$20,000.

Who can apply?

Public and community libraries in developing and transition economy countries. Click the link for a full list of eligible countries.

The project you are applying for must –

• Take an innovative approach to meeting the needs of children and youth, and
• Use digital technology in new and creative ways, and
• Work in partnership with government departments or agencies, civil society organizations or technology innovators.

Deadline for applications

The call will close on 31 January 2014.

Are you interested in applying?

Please read all the important information carefully before developing a grant proposal or filling in an application form. 

If you do not find the answers you need in the information that follows, or in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), please contact our e-mail help desk at plip@eifl.net.

What we are looking for -

With this grant call we want to explore new and creative ways in which public and community libraries can use technology to support the needs of children and youth.

Here are some examples of service areas where libraries can apply technology creatively:

• Services that improve literacy, including reading and writing skills; media literacy, and information literacy focused on issues of importance to children and youth. 
• Services that encourage young people's interest in technology, and support youth enterprise development, employment and careers. 
• Services that help young people improve their school results. 
• Services that promote gender equality in access to information and communication technologies. Services that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers requiring computer programming and other advanced digital skills. 
• Services that encourage imagination and creativity. 
• Services that encourage civic engagement – that is, participation in local government and community decision-making processes.

Note: These are only examples. Your innovative project will address the needs of children and youth in your community, and may be different from the examples described above.

What we are not looking for - 

• Projects that only provide free access to computers and the internet. 
• Projects that only provide information and communication technology training. 
• Automated library catalogues and library management systems. 
• Digitization of library collections.

Eligible expenses

The grant will cover all project-related expenses, except:

• Building construction or reconstruction costs;
• Expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed.

Application selection criteria

Applications will be reviewed by an international panel including people with relevant expertise in libraries and youth development.

The main selection criteria are:

The project objective  

• The application clearly describes the target group, and the need/s of the target group that the project will address. See TIP SHEET: Needs assessment 
• The project addresses the need/s of the target group in a way that is viable and innovative.
• The project will result in a service that will have a lasting positive impact on the community. See TIP SHEET: Defining results and impact 

Innovation

The application clearly describes what is innovative about the project. To find out more, click the link: What do we mean by ‘innovative’?

Use of technology

The application clearly describes the technology or technologies that will be used in the project; explains why particular technologies were chosen, and how the technologies will help to support the project goals. To find out more, click the link: What are information and communication technologies?

Partnerships

The application describes strong and appropriate partnership(s), and clearly defines partners’ roles and contribution.

Budget

The proposed budget is realistic, well-planned, and accurate. Cost estimates are researched and reflect local market prices. The budget narrative clearly explains proposed expenses. Only eligible expenses are included.

Application guidelines

• Applications must be written in English.
• All applications must be submitted through the online submission system, and use the Application Form.
• Applications must be received by 18:00 (Rome/Italy) time on 31 January 2014.
• Applications must be signed by an authorized representative of the library.

The full application must include –

• Completed Grant Application form, which can be downloaded here: Application form (doc).
• A letter from each partner, attached to the application. The letter/s must be signed by the partner organisation/s, confirming their role and contribution to the project.

In order to avoid errors and incomplete information, we encourage applicants to complete the following steps before submitting an application:

• Read and understand the eligibility and selection criteria.
• Fill out and sign the "Grant Application" form. The Signature Page can be scanned and added as an attachment.
• Include the required attachments.

If you have technical problems, or have any queries, please contact our email help desk at plip@eifl.net. The communication language is English.

Application time-line

• 31 January 2014 - application deadline. Applications must be received by 18:00 (Rome/Italy) time on 31 January 2014.
• February - April 2014 - we will evaluate proposals.
• May 2014 - the names of successful applicants will be announced and contracts signed.

Information for successful applicants

Project implementation time-line

If your project is awarded a grant, we will expect you to implement your project and submit reports according to the following time-table:

• Project implementation will last 14 months, from May 2014 to June 2015.
• Grantees will submit their interim report by 31 October 2014.
• At the end of the project implementation period, grantees will assess the impact of the project. We will work with all grantees individually to develop a results map and the best ways of collecting information.
• Grantees will submit their final report on 30 June, 2015.

Note: In June 2014, we will invite all grantees to send project representatives to a meeting to network and to learn more about EIFL-PLIP and other grantees. All costs of the meeting will be covered by EIFL-PLIP.

Publicity and communication

Grantees will be expected to publicize their projects through local and national media, online, and at national, regional or international events during and after implementation of the project.

We also expect you to regularly communicate news and information about your project with EIFL-PLIP staff, so that we can also share the information through our publicity channels.

Through communication, we will raise awareness about innovative library services, and the ways in which they can change lives.

EIFL-PLIP will provide additional support and assistance where regional or international events are involved.

Moreinfo: http://www.eifl.net/call-proposals