ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 13, Number 12
March 1, 2004

In This Issue: Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program seeks Reviewers

Re-printed from the Department of Education

Dear Colleague:
The U.S. Department of Education's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program focuses on providing funding to school libraries in districts with 20 percent or more family poverty.  Funds are used to improve reading achievement through updating the library collection, expanding internet connections, purchasing new technology, providing professional development for library media specialists, and extending school library hours.  More information about this program can be found on the program's Web site www.ed.gov/programs/lsl.

The program received an increase in funding, up from $12 million in FY03 to close to $20 million in FY04.  The U.S. Department of Education expects to receive a possible 1,000 applications this year.  There is a need for proposal reviewers to assist with the peer review process.  This year the program will be using the U.S. Department of Education's "e-reader" system. Reviewers will be sent hard copies of proposals to discuss with fellow peer reviewers during conference calls.  The difference from other reviews will involve entering comments and scores on-line.  For more information about the e-reader system please see the Department Web site at: http://e-grants.ed.gov/egWelcome.asp

The program anticipates an application due date in late April, and right now plans to hold the review in May.  If you choose to review, you will be sent more information about the schedule, orientation sessions and other issues at a later date.  

If you are interested in participating, please e-mail an updated resume, including your social security number, to the Team Leader, Irene Harwarth, at irene.harwarth@ed.gov.  Please see the attached Reviewer Fact Sheet for more information about this peer review process.  You can feel free to call Irene at any time with any questions at (202)401-3751.   The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program is looking forward to an interesting and informative peer review experience.  Your work in selecting the best proposals will keep this important program moving forward.  



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