2024 Pierre Gorman Award Ideation Phase

Submissions closed at midnight 31 July 2023 (AEST).

If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Alternatively, contact the Library Sector Engagement Team at publiclibraries@slv.vic.gov.au 

Background  

The Pierre Gorman Award for Victorian public libraries (valued up to $25,000) has been designed to improve access to or delivery of library and information services for people with a disability.

Award funds have previously been used for a range of activities, including:

  • The development of reading programs for adults with learning disabilities in up to 10 public library services across Victoria, supporting diversity and people of all abilities.
  • The development and delivery of a library-specific accessible customer service training program for library staff, called the Access Ambassadors Customer Service Program, developed in partnership with Arts Access Victoria.
  • The development and delivery of a program to improve the library services physical environment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), created in partnership with Supporting Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and Community Living and Respite Services Inc.

The award is generously supported by the Pierre Gorman Foundation. The Library Board of Victoria inaugurated the Pierre Gorman Award in 1997, and continue to view it as an essential component in inspiring Victorian public libraries to prioritise library design for people living with disability.

 

Eligibility  

The award is open to Victorian public library services.

 

Scope 

Award funds can be used for activities including (but not limited to):

  • developing a new service, program or resource for people with a disability
  • promoting and/or improving services in public libraries for people with a disability
  • fostering skills acquisition and community development outcomes
  • providing professional development for staff to cater for the special needs of people with a disability.

Read more: Pierre Gorman Award Frequently Asked Questions

 

The process 

 There are two stages to the scholarship application process: 

The pitch 

Library services submit their application for review by a panel of assessors, comprising of representatives from the Library Board of Victoria, State Library Victoria, Public Libraries Victoria and a disability advocate. Submissions are due by 31 July 2023.

The proposal 

Applicants are given feedback on their submission and invited to prepare a detailed project plan with an itemised budget, timelines and milestones, and evaluation and advocacy/promotion strategies.

Submissions will be assessed on the following criteria: 

  • quality and clarity of the proposal 
  • benefits to the individual, employer and/or library profession as a whole 
  • effective planning (viable timelines, budget and communication strategy) 
  • your ability to deliver the proposal 
  • innovation 

The panel will also consider written statements from partnering organisations and/or representatives from member Councils. 
Final submissions are due by 5pm on 2 October 2023.

Saving your draft 

If you wish to leave a partially completed application, press 'save and close' and log out. 

When you log back in and click on the 'My Submissions' link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any applications you have started or submitted. 

You can reopen your draft application and start where you left off. 

You can also download any application, whether draft or completed, as a PDF. Click on the 'Download PDF' button located at the bottom of the last page of the application form. 

Submitting your application

You will find a Review and Submit button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel. You need to review your application before you can submit it. 

Once you have reviewed your application, you can submit it by clicking on 'Submit' at the top or bottom of the screen or on the navigation panel. 

You will not be able to submit your application until all the compulsory questions are completed, and there are no validation errors. 

Once you have submitted your application, no further editing or uploading of support materials is possible. 

When you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. This will be sent to the email you used to register. 

If you do not receive a confirmation of submission email, presume that your submission has NOT been submitted. Check your spam or junk folder.