[Libs-Or] Request for Applications: Library and ICT Expert Reviewers

[Hope Leman]

Hi, all. I just came across the item below and thought I would send it along.

Hope Leman, MLIS
Research Information Technologist
Center for Health Research and Quality
Samaritan Health Services
815 NW 9th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 768-5712


http://www.crdf.org/join/join_show.htm?doc_id=1618786


Request for Applications: Library and ICT Expert Reviewers


Deadline: September 30, 2011


Summary:

CRDF Global (CRDF) is seeking at least five experts in Library Science and/or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to review applications for the 2012 Access to Learning Award (ATLA).

CRDF Global is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, technical resources, and training.

CRDF's mission is to: Provide cooperative research and development (R&D) opportunities that enable scientists and engineers to address critical security, economic, education and other societal needs; advance peace and prosperity by funding civilian research and development projects that contribute to global nonproliferation objectives; promote the application of science and technology to economic growth through international partnerships and training that foster invention, innovation, entrepreneurship and the commercialization of technology; and   strengthen university research and education in science and engineering.

More information about CRDF Global is available at www.crdfglobal.org


Background:

The 2012 Access to Learning Award

The Access to Learning Award recognizes the innovative efforts of public libraries and similar organizations outside the United States to connect people to information through free access to computers and the Internet.

The Access to Learning Award honors innovative organizations that are opening a world of online information to people in need. Applications are invited from public libraries and similar organizations outside the United States that have created new ways to offer these key services: free public access to computers and the Internet; public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives; technology training for library staff; and outreach to underserved communities.

The award recipient will receive $1 million (U.S).

Requirement:

CRDF Global seeks a minimum of five experts with a background in Library Science and Information and Communications Technology to provide evaluation support to the Access to Learning Award program selection process, which will include a comprehensive technical review of applications submitted.  The experts will also serve on a panel to identify and recommend meritorious applications for the award.  Specific tasks include:

I.    Review of Applications:  The individuals will work with CRDF Global staff to assist in the evaluation of 200-300 applications submitted to the ATLA program.  Each individual will provide technical comments and assign a numerical score to his/her assigned pool of applications. It is anticipated that each reviewer will score between 150 and 175 applications.  Depending on the number of applications actually received, CRDF Global may elect to engage additional experts and staff reviewers.  All technical comments and numerical scores will be submitted via an online system.

Award Application

The application to the 2012 Access to Learning Award consists of the following:

Basic information about the organization, including service statistics and funding source(s),a narrative section no longer than eight (8) pages describing:

    Organization's mission and goals;

    Innovative programs that are providing access to computers and the Internet;

    Impact of services on the community; and

    Potential of their services to be replicated in other libraries around the world


II.    ATLA Panel Teleconference: Each individual will serve as one of at least five (5) panelists to discuss the overall merit/ranking of the applications submitted to the ATLA competition. The meeting will be coordinated by CRDF Global staff and take place via teleconference, whereby panelists will discuss the merit of each application and finally compile a list of 20-30 meritorious applications. The list will then be forwarded to an International Advisory Committee, who will select the 2012 recipient from the applications recommended by CRDF Global's panel.

Compensation:

    The experts will be provided a standard fee for their services, to be based on the number of applications reviewed. In past years the rate has ranged from $3,500-$5,000 per expert.  The 2011-2012 rate will be determined once all award applications are received and before any contract for services has been finalized.


Application Requirements:

Each proposal must include:

    Applicant CV

    Letter of Interest, citing relevant qualifications and contributions to the activity



Timetable:

September 30, 2011:                                               RFA submissions due

October 1-12, 2011:                                                 Applicant interviews and selection

November 2011:                                                      Individual contracts finalized and signed

November 2011 - January 2012                                 Review of 2012 ATLA applications

January 2012 (Exact date TBD):                                ATLA 2-day Panel Teleconference



Contractor Selection Criteria:

CRDF Global will select the applicants whose skills, credentials and experience best match the requirements and qualifications outlined below. Please note that individuals who have applied to previous CRDF Global ATLA review processes are welcome to apply again; however, individuals who have served more than once will not be eligible.

      Requirements for all candidates:

        Eligibility to work in the U.S.

        Masters Degree or equivalent experience in Library and Information Science, Information & Communications Technology, or related field

        Knowledge of and/or experience with libraries and information science in developing regions

        Minimum five (5) years professional experience with libraries and/or ICT

        Availability for two partial-day teleconferences in early-mid January 2012

    Preferred Qualifications:

        Experience in both library science and ICT, especially where it relates to international development and access to information initiatives.

        Background in public libraries

        Previous service as an expert reviewer for grant proposals



Submission:

Applications should be submitted to Steve Bergen, Program Manager, at sbergen at crdf.org, no later than 11:59 pm EDT on September 30, 2011.   Proposals should be submitted as electronic documents in PDF, Word or RTF format, with the title of the RFA in the subject line.

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