ICTD folks take note — The Public Library Innovation Program aims to spark innovative library services that improve people’s lives through the use of technology. It's specifically designed to promote partnerships — with nonprofits, business, local governments — that create new services. Anyone can apply — providing that the service you propose is developed in partnership with a public library and serves the library community. Awards are up to $30,000 USD. ------ eIFL.net is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals to spark the development of innovative public library services using technology in transitioning and developing countries. The Public Library Innovation Program (plip.eifl.net) will encourage public libraries to reach out to their communities, partnering with local government, business and other organizations to assess local needs and develop new services. Technology has transformed public libraries throughout the world, yet in many developing countries where the need is great, public libraries are under resourced. This call is designed to gather great ideas that introduce technology to meet user needs and help members of the community improve their lives. Ten of the best proposals will be awarded up to $30,000 USD each for a one-year project. Go to http://plip.eifl.net for the Call for Proposal, Application Form, Fact Sheet, FAQs and Press Release. A help desk will be available to prospective applicants plip@eifl.net. The Call for Proposals opens on 16 November 2009 and closes 28 February 2010. It will be open to applicants from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, People's Republic of China, Colombia, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Poland, Guatemala, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.