The Upstart Innovative Programming Award (previously the Highsmith Award) recognizes two libraries – one school and one for all other library types (i.e., public, academic, special) – that have implemented creative marketing projects and/or promotions to enhance their visibility within their service community (example: library web sites, genre promotion, information services, library card sign-up, or any innovative project).

An Upstart representative presents the awards during the second general session of the TLA Annual Conference each April. Each library receives a $1,000 check and a plaque.

Application Guidelines

• Texas libraries of any size or type are eligible and are encouraged to apply.
• Two awards are available, one for school libraries and the second for all other library types (i.e., public, academic, special).
• Applicants may apply for only one of the awards.
• The program must have been in existence for a minimum of one year by the application deadline and should have been initiated no more than three years ago. In other words, for a project to qualify for the 2018 award, it must have started after February 2015 but before February 2018.
• A library may apply as often as desired but may not submit an application for a previous Highsmith Award winning program.

Deadline: Materials must be received by midnight February 15

Submission Requirements: A complete application is required. In electronic format, submit one document or visual that was created for the marketing project or that demonstrated the marketing project’s impact.

APPLY TODAY

Thank you to our sponsor