ALA awards are of four types. In reviewing a request for a new award, the Awards Committee will consider the cost of administering an award. This administrative fee does not apply to the Endowment Scholarships. For awards by a unit of ALA, administrative costs estimated by the unit shall be included in the proposal and in budget requests as needed. A workable set of objective standards for selecting a winner is needed.
Awards demanding large or bulky mailings of material among jury members are to be avoided.
The availability of appropriate candidates. A date for the Awards Committee or unit to review and determine the continuation of an award should be set at the time an award is established. A trial period of three years is usual. Endowments to insure the continuation of recognized awards of five or more years standing are to be encouraged. Preparing an Award Proposal Ten copies of the award proposal must be submitted to the Awards Committee Staff Liaison or Chair one month prior to the Committee's regular meeting which is at least six months prior to the anticipated date of advertisement.