WebJunction

Entry Form

Objective
To encourage excellence in the architectural design and functional planning of Connecticut public library buildings.

Organizations sponsoring these awards
Connecticut Library Association (CLA)
Connecticut State Library (CSL)
American Institute of Architects Connecticut (AIA/CT)
Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL)
Association of Connecticut Library Boards (ACLB)

Number and frequency of these awards
Two awards every other year.

Eligibility
All entries must be public library building projects in Connecticut designed by architects practicing and licensed in Connecticut.  The new work must have been completed and in service for at least one year and no more than six years prior to October 1, 2007.

All entries must be submitted with the consent of the architect and the owner.  Applications may be submitted for a new building, addition, renovation, or conversion to library use.

There is no limit on the number of entries that may be submitted by any architect.

Entry Fee
A registration fee of $30 for each new application must be paid by the entrant to receive the application packet.  Projects that applied for considerations in 2005 and are still eligible can update the existing binder for no fee. Registration fees are not refundable.
 
Send entry form by May 1, 2007, and registration fee to:
Fiscal Services
Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

Method of Submitting Entry
All material must be submitted in an 8 1/2" x 11" binder containing transparent window sleeves for displaying inserts, back to back.  (Binders will be supplied by CSL).  Each entrant who submits an entry form and $30 fee will receive a receipt and submission packet.  A separate fee and form will be required for each project entered.  Projects that applied for consideration in 2005 and are still eligible can update the existing binder for no fee.  Entrants will need to update the Project Information page that has signatures and make sure that the entry is complete.

Entries will not be returned. 

Submission Packet
Documents in your submission must be arranged in the following sequence:

I.  Plans and Drawings
All plans must be on 8½" x 11", 8" x 14" or 8" x 17" sheets placed in the binder's transparent window sleeves.  Plans can be drawn at any scale in any medium, but the scale must be indicated graphically.  Oversized plans will not be reviewed by the jury and will be discarded without consideration.

Floor plans should clearly show library functions and detailed furniture and equipment layouts.  Each floor must be represented.  Include plans for all building sections, label all plans and sections clearly, and identify all public entrance(s) on the floor plans.

Entrants must provide a small scale site plan showing the project and its context. Please include adjacent buildings and label them.  Note:  project and architect identification may appear on photographs and drawings.

II.  Descriptive Data
Provide a brief statement of the design objectives, considerations of existing conditions, design challenges or restrictions, and outstanding design features.  Submit no more than one typed page, and insert in a portfolio sheet just prior to photographs and after plans.

III.  Evaluation
An evaluation by the library staff covering
*  How the building project improved library services (use statistics)
*  How the building project helped meet the objectives in the library's long range plan
*  How the building project was evaluated.  Did the public and/or library staff make the evaluation?

Submit no more than one typed page, and insert in a portfolio sheet just prior to photographs, and after Descriptive Data.

IV. Photographer’s Release Form
The form will be sent with the submission packet.

V.  Photographs
Photographs may be either black and white or color, although color photographs are preferred.  Slides and transparencies in lieu of photographs are not acceptable.  It is emphasized that the objective is to evaluate the building, not to reward a photographer's skill on photographic composition. Having a small "before" picture in the corner of the "after" picture is helpful to the reviewers.  Please number the photographs and include a front sheet that has the photograph number and describes the functions of the pictures as stated below. Each submittal must have 8" x 10" photographs illustrating the following areas:

For all projects:
1.       Interior view(s) of all public library entrance area(s)
2.       Interior view showing a major public service position (circulation, reference, etc.)
3.       Interior view showing a typical user area, such as the general reading area
4.       Interior view of the library's children's area
5.       Interior view showing a major staff function in a non-public area
6.       Interior view at night to show lighting levels (optional)
7.       Any additional views illustrating special architectural features (optional)

For new buildings, additions, exterior renovations, or other exterior changes
add the following photographs:
8.        Exterior view of the building (where applicable) showing its relationship to adjacent structures, setting, and the environment
9.        Exterior views together showing the principal facades of the building including views of all exterior public entrances
10. For renovations, at least one photograph before renovation (optional, but recommended) or additions, a photograph showing the connections to the original building

Each binder may also contain supplemental photographs or informal snapshots as may be necessary to evaluate the project and its environment.

VI.  Project Information
Submit identification information on the form provided in the submission packet.  There will be no verification of the facts submitted.  Therefore, please be certain that the following are absolutely accurate:
*  Architecture firm credit (at the time of the design of the library)
*  All designations such as consultant, associate, and associate architects
*  All city and town locations
*  Library Director or representative
*  Project budget

This information must be inserted in the last transparent window sleeve.

Jury
The jury (to be announced) will be appointed by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA), the AIA Connecticut, and the Connecticut State Library.  Projects that credit any jury member as architect, associate architect, consultant, or client are ineligible.  The jury will include
*  two librarians (qualifications:  MLS, extensive experience in public library building planning, and not presently employed in Connecticut) to be appointed by CLA
*  two architects (qualifications:  out-of-state, experience in public library design, and not currently working in Connecticut on a public library) to be appointed by AIA/CT or CLA
*  a nonvoting chairperson (facilitator) (qualifications:  MLS and extensive public library building experience) to be appointed by the Connecticut State Library.

Awards
Two awards will be given: 1) for public libraries 18,000 square feet and under and 2) for public libraries over 18,000 square feet.  Certificates for architects and winning public libraries and financial awards to the owners of the winning public libraries will be presented at the next CLA Conference.

Exhibition
The winners will be asked to prepare exhibit panels to be displayed during the 2008 CLA annual conference and CLA's Legislative Potluck Supper.  The winners will also be part of the program at the 2008 CLA Conference.

Publication
Entrants must clear for publicity all drawings and photographs in the submission binder for reproduction and use for articles related to the Connecticut Awards for Excellence in Public Library Architecture.  Entrants are responsible for any royalties, copyright, or photographic fees.  Release forms for the signatures for the photographers must be in the submission packet. The drawings and photographs of the winning entry will be used for unrestricted publicity; credit lines and copyright notices will be used on drawings and photographs published.

Time Schedule
Entry form(s) with registration fee(s) must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2007 and sent to the Fiscal Services, Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06106.  Submissions (applications) must be received by 4:00 pm on July 20, 2007 at the Willimantic Library Service Center, 1320 Main Street, Suite 25, Willimantic, CT 06226.  Presentation of awards will take place at the 2008 CLA Conference.

For further information 
Go to the Connecticut State Library's Library Buildings page or Connecticut Library Association's homepage.