Call for Applications for ASA-Funded Book Donation Projects for the Year 2007

 

The ASA makes available up to $3000 annually to assist groups with shipping costs for book donations to African libraries and schools. The Committee generally provides grants in amounts from $200 to $1,000. Those applying for partial funding of a project should clearly show how additional funding will be solicited. The grants are intended to encourage innovative projects that incorporate essential elements, including:

1. Recipient participation

Book donation programs should reflect a partnership between institutions in Africa and the US with a liaison contact from each institution. While large scale donations of container-loads of books can be effective, the ASA is trying to fill a perceived gap by increasing the number of small to medium-sized projects that focus on specific, articulated needs. Community based, grassroots project involvement with benefit to broad, non-sectarian populations are encouraged.

2. High quality materials

While books need not be new, they should be in good condition and relevant to the recipient's needs. Books can be procured from libraries' duplicates, personal libraries, bookstores, students and publishers.

3. Attention to details of logistics

The project plan should include a place to store books as they are being collected, a means of reviewing the books for physical quality and relevance to the recipient's request, materials and staff for packing, a means of shipping to Africa, and all necessary paperwork for customs and shipping. The ASA cannot offer any services in arranging shipping or other logistics. The ASA's role is to supply funding to the greatest extent possible.
 

Applications for Funding

1. Project description: Send a 1-3 page description covering:
    • the recipient and relationship to donor
    • the materials requested (specific titles or subject areas)
    • the number of books, and means of obtaining them
    • shipping and other logistical plans
    • status of the project----is it already underway, or just in the idea stage?
    • who will administer the project? Who is the liaison in Africa?

2. Budget
    • What are total costs of the project?
    • How much is the request to the ASA?
    • How will ASA funds be used?
    • For partial funding requests, how will other funds be solicited?

3. Deadline

Applications are due in the ASA Secretariat, c/o Kristina Carle, Program Manager, Publications and Information Services, Rutgers University, Douglass Campus, 132 George St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1400 on or before June 1, 2007. Electronic submissions are welcome if all accompanying documents can be sent via e-mail or are on the Web. Please send electronic submissions to Kristina Carle, Program Manager, Publications and Information Services at asapub@rci.rutgers.edu.  A report on the project and brief summary for ASA News are required at the project's completion.

4. Award Notification

Book Donation Award decisions are made at the ASA Fall Board meeting.  Applicants are notified following the ASA Fall Board Meeting.
 

Previous grants are available on the website at the following URL: http://www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/ASAbookaward.htm

For more information on Book Donation Programs: http://www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/bookdonation.htm

Book Donations Introduction and Tips: http://www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/bkdonsuccess.htm

Africana Librarians Council, Book Donation Committee page: http://www.loc.gov/rr/amed/afs/alc/bkdncte.html
 
 

Main Menu

African Studies Association, Rutgers University, 132 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1400 USA
T: 732-932-8173; F: 732-932-3394;
Department E-mail addresses: http://www.africanstudies.org/asa_departmentemailaccounts.html
Web: Http://www.africanstudies.org