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How much is the prize amount for a particular award?
Each award’s prize varies depending on the award. If a cash prize is included, the amount is indicated in the description of the award.
The Subcommittee has encountered a problem. What do they do?
Contact the Awards Committee Co-Chairs as soon as issues arise. This could be a member needs to step off a subcommittee, the Subcommittee has questions about eligibility, or any other concern.
Is there a shared Google Drive space for the SAA Awards Committee?
No, there is no official SAA Google Drive or shared drive for documents relating to the Awards Committee or Subcommittees. Generally, personal accounts are used and then shared with the incoming Subcommittee Chair and Awards Committee Co-Chairs at the end of the season.
How can Subcommittee Chairs and Members help maintain continuity from year to year?
Document Subcommittee procedures as needed so that they are available for future members. If the subcommittee has any internal documentation, make sure that any handoffs are completed ahead of the cycle’s end. Communicate with Awards Committee Co-Chairs regularly about what is/isn’t working for your Subcommittee and if support is needed. At the end of the season, consider whether any changes should be made to any of the award descriptions, eligibility criteria, or application requirements to ensure a smooth process for future Subcommittee Members.
I will be enrolling in an MLIS program in the summer (or fall). Am I eligible to apply for your scholarships?
Information about eligibility criteria for each scholarship award is available in the award description.
I want to nominate somebody for the Council Exemplary Service Award, a Foundation award, or to become an SAA Fellow. Which Subcommittee or award is that?
These specific awards are not handled by the SAA Awards Committee.
- For the Council Exemplary Service Award, potential nominators should reach out to a Council member or SAA staff directly about the process.
- Foundation grant information can be found here: SAA Foundation
- SAA Fellow nomination information can be found here: Fellow of the Society of American Archivists
I won a travel scholarship/award or complimentary Annual Meeting registration. How do I arrange that?
The award winner should contact the SAA Service Center.
How soon after a Subcommittee makes its decision can they notify the recipient?
By May 1st of each year, Subcommittee Chairs will be given the approval by the Awards Committee Co-Chairs and SAA staff to notify award recipients and nominators. The exact date will be determined each year by the Awards Committee Co-Chairs based on that year’s calendar. All notifications should be issued within the same week.
How should notifications be made?
Specific instructions are in the Calendar of Activities about how and when to notify award recipients. These instructions should be followed closely to ensure a uniform and fair process for all Subcommittee award recipients.
When can award winners share publicly that they won?
Please ask award winners to hold off on any official announcements until SAA is able to prepare news releases based on citations and submit them for review and approval by award recipients. Typically, this is done in May.
What is SmarterSelect?
SmarterSelect is the application collection and evaluation tool that SAA uses. New committee members will be granted access to set up their logins in January. If new members do not receive a login account, contact SAA staff. Returning members should still be able to use their existing login credentials. For more assistance, visit: Basic Training for Evaluators: A Walkthrough (SmarterSelect) - Choose the login for “Are you a customer?”
Where is the SmartSelect login page?
To access nominations and evaluation forms, go to the login page here: https://app.smarterselect.com/login.
How do I find and navigate the applications for the awards?
From the top navigation bar, click on My Evaluations to see all applications.
- Click Read to access the application. Scroll down to the end to see the evaluation form and comment boxes to enter your review. Click Submit to save your comments. You can edit your evaluations later.
- Click Print to access a copy of the application and any of your scores or comments that you have submitted.
- Click Info to access a copy of the award description and requirements.
How can I view my fellow Subcommittee scores and comments?
When reading an application, there are three icons at the top right corner above the green Update button. The first is Group Scores, the second is Print, and the third is Help. Click “Group Scores” to see the full comments and scores from all group members. Your own evaluative comments may be truncated in this pageview, but your fellow members will see your comments in their entirety.
What if the rubric questions should be changed?
If a Subcommittee feels that the rubric questions or evaluative criteria need to be altered or revised, the Subcommittee Chair should contact the Awards Committee Co-Chairs and SAA Awards staff prior to starting evaluations.
What if I need more help with SmarterSelect?
Contact SAA Awards Staff if there are any additional questions about SmarterSelect. The Awards Committee Co-Chairs do not have access to Subcommittee Applications, unless the Co-Chair is specifically assigned to help with applications for a Subcommittee.