Two Libraries Receive Alibris Book Collection Grants: Library supplier of used, new and hard-to-find books provides support to libraries

A Missouri university library and an Austin, Texas elementary school will be offering enhanced collections to their patrons thanks to a new collection development grant from an online library supplier

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2004 --Alibris has named Southwest Missouri State University Libraries and Andrews Elementary School Library of Austin, Texas as the winners of the first Alibris Collection Award, a grant of up to $3,000 in books that helps under-funded libraries to expand their collection in a specific area.

The award was presented Sunday, January 11, during the American Library Associations Midwinter meeting in San Diego.

The award to Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) Libraries will enhance the collection of theatrical monologues available to students of the Department of Theatre and Dance, for which SMSU is noted.

Among the most heavily used of our materials, these works are the backbone of undergraduate acting classes, and keeping the supply commensurate to demand is a challenge," said SMSU Librarian Lynn Cline. This collection award will allow us to better supply students who are constantly searching for material for their audition portfolios."

At Andrews Elementary School, where pre-kindergarten teachers require that parents read to their children for twenty minutes every night, the award will add a significant collection of Spanish language childrens books to the school library.

Many of the families in our program are unable to supply the books to read to their children, and our collection of Spanish language books is small," said Librarian Katherine King. When parents read to their children, they promote listening comprehension, vocabulary development and expressive language. This award will allow us to serve the Spanish speaking parents in our school and to enhance the chances of academic success for their children."

The two recipients were chosen from among over 60 applicants.

Truly, all applicants were worthy candidates for the award," said Shelly Stuard, Director of Library Services for Alibris. In the end, the committee chose libraries whose desired collections would have the greatest impact on the lives of its patrons."

Jurors included Michael Keller, University Librarian, Stanford University; Mark Sandler, Collection Development Officer, University of Michigan; Jack Walsdorf, retired bookseller and book scholar; and Dr. Richard Weatherford, Chairman and Co-Founder of Alibris.

Complete details of the award may be found at the Alibris for Libraries website, http://www.alibris.com/librarians/collection_award.cfm .

About Alibris
Alibris connects people who love books, music and movies to thousands of independent sellers around the world. The companys technology and logistics allow it to offer over 35 million used, new and hard-to-find books to consumers, libraries and retailers. The company is based in Emeryville, California.

Alibris for Libraries is a library supplier of used, new and hard-to-find books, movies and music, with millions of out-of-print, older in-print and otherwise unavailable titles in stock. Alibris for Libraries offers flexible payment options, consolidated shipping, and custom tools for managing replacement and collection development projects.
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