SLA Transportation Division (DTRN)’s Innovation Award  (revised October, 2012)

Definition

Innovation can be the act of introducing something new or developing a solutions to an existing problem or situation. It can be a new concept for our community or adopted from another area.

Purpose

The Innovation Award will recognize a project, technique, tool, or practical solution that has improved or has the potential to improve access, dissemination, or retrieval of transportation information. The project, technique, tool, or practical solution will have been developed and implemented during the previous two years. Particular consideration will be given to those that have broad applicability, where results are likely to be replicable in other settings. While technology may be involved, that is not a requirement.

Announcement

The Award will be announced in the fall via TranLib and on the Division’s website, along with the solicitation by the Awards Committee for nominations for the Division’s Professional Achievement Award.

Application Process

The process of applying for the award has been revised to be as simple as possible to encourage participation. Submission requirements include:

• A one-page description of the project, technique, tool, or practical solution. Links to websites may be included, and supporting material may be attached. The Awards Committee may request additional information.
• The Awards Committee will consider one submission per year per individual. The individual must be a member of DTRN; if a group is submitting, at least one must be a member of DTRN.

Award Winners

• Award winner(s) will be recognized at DTRN’s annual business meeting with the presentation of a certificate(s).
• A slot on the GTRIC agenda will be provided for the winner to present the project, technique, tool, or practical solution, with the scope to be coordinated with the GTRIC planner.
• Award winners plus material from the presentation will be made available on DTRN’s website, in addition to being announced via TranLib.

Past Award Winners

2011       Roberto Sarmiento and Jennifer Boteler for their publication Transportation Libraries Collection Development Policy Template

2010       Roberto Sarmiento for his paper Gifts management for transportation libraries: Observations and recommendations.