SLJ and MSRI Launch the Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards

New funding program aimed at getting literary fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K-12 students in Title I schools.

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SLJ and MSRI

Jan 24, 2020, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- School Library Journal ( SLJ) and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute ( MSRI) have announced a new funding program aimed at getting literary fiction and nonfiction inspiring a love of math into the hands of K–12 students in Title I schools. The Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards are available to school libraries in qualifying schools in the U.S.

Presented by MSRI in partnership with SLJ, the collection development awards will enable up to 25 libraries in K–12 schools with high numbers or percentages of low-income students to receive grants of $700 to purchase titles from the Mathical Prize list.

Applications open January 24, 2020 and close March 12. Awards will be announced April 21.

The Mathical Book Prize recognizes outstanding youth trade fiction and nonfiction selected to inspire a love of math in the world around us. Prize-winning books span grades PreK through 12 and feature novels, biographies, chapter books and picture books and are selected every year by a committee of math teachers, reading teachers, mathematicians, librarians, early childhood experts, and others.

The Mathical Book Prize is presented by MSRI in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children's Book Council (CBC).

Eligibility and Judging:
To be eligible for the Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards, schools must employ a full- or part-time librarian who meets state requirements for school library media certification and is currently employed as a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position.

Applicants will be required to submit proof of Title I funding, a letter of recommendation, and a plan for using books from the Mathical Prize list, including a list of titles and an explanation of how the prize would benefit library/school goals and serve students and the community.

Award recipients must provide reporting, completing a form that includes titles of Mathical books purchased, a description of student interaction and programming ideas related to Mathical titles, as well as photographs of students enjoying the books.

Winners will be determined by SLJ staff. Priority will be given to schools whose library staff demonstrate the greatest promise in using funds to advance the goals of their school library, and who are enthusiastic about encouraging students to explore a love of mathematics in their everyday lives. Diversity of geographic location and grade level of students served will be considered in the determination of a final set of winners.

For complete requirements and to apply, visit slj.com/MathicalAwards.

About MSRI:
The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute ( MSRI) is one of the world's preeminent centers for collaborative research in mathematics. Located in Berkeley, California, MSRI's mission is to advance mathematical research, foster talent, and further the appreciation of mathematics. MSRI strives to make mathematics accessible and exciting to those outside the field through the National Math Festival, sponsorship of Numberphile (YouTube's most popular informal mathematics channel, with over 3.1 million subscribers), film production for public television, and the Mathical Book Prize. MSRI has created a national Math Circles movement of small organizations teaching and engaging children in math as a hobby.

About School Library Journal:
School Library Journal, a MSI Information Services publication, is the premiere journal for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens. A source of quality journalism and reviews for more than 60 years, SLJ produces award-winning features and news coverage on: literacy, best practices, technology, education policy and other issues of interest to the school library and greater educator community. SLJ evaluates a broad range of resources, from books and digital content to databases, in 6000+ reviews published annually. For more information, visit slj.com.

SOURCE SLJ and MSRI