Nominations open for EIFL Public Library Innovation Award 20

Deadline: 26-Oct-26

The EIFL Public Library Innovation Award recognizes innovative artificial intelligence (AI) literacy training programmes delivered by public and community libraries in transition and developing economy countries. The award highlights libraries that are helping communities understand, use, and critically evaluate AI technologies. Each winning library will receive a US$1,500 cash prize and a trophy, along with international publicity through EIFL communication channels. Eligible AI literacy programmes must have started in or after January 2024, operated for at least six months, and remain active when the application is submitted.

About the EIFL Public Library Innovation Award

The EIFL Public Library Innovation Award is designed to showcase the important role public and community libraries play in helping people navigate the rapidly changing digital and information environment. The 20th edition of the award focuses specifically on AI literacy training programmes. It recognizes libraries that provide practical opportunities for their communities to learn about artificial intelligence and develop the skills needed to use AI responsibly and effectively. AI literacy initiatives may help participants understand how AI works, explore its everyday applications, identify limitations and risks, and critically assess AI-generated information. The programme can be delivered through in-person or online training and may target specific community groups or form part of a broader media and information literacy programme. What Does the Award Support? The award supports innovative AI literacy training programmes and activities delivered by eligible public or community libraries. Programmes may address different aspects of AI literacy, depending on the needs of the community. Examples can include training that helps participants: - Understand basic AI concepts and technologies. - Learn how AI tools can be used in education, work, or everyday life. - Critically assess AI-generated information. - Understand the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence. - Develop responsible and informed approaches to using AI. - Improve digital, media, and information literacy skills. - Navigate the changing information environment created by AI. Libraries can design programmes for different audiences and adapt their activities to local community needs. Who Can Benefit from AI Literacy Programmes? The EIFL award recognizes programmes that make AI literacy accessible to diverse groups within communities. Eligible programmes may be designed for audiences such as: - Youth and students. - Women. - Children. - Senior citizens. - Farmworkers. - People with disabilities. - Other underserved or community groups. Libraries may also work with universities, NGOs, technology organizations, educational institutions, or other partners to improve the quality, reach, and impact of their AI literacy programmes. Award Benefits

Each selected winner will receive:

- US$1,500 cash prize. - Award trophy. - International publicity through EIFL’s communication channels. - Recognition for the library’s contribution to AI literacy and community development. The award provides libraries with an opportunity to showcase successful approaches to AI education and gain international recognition for their innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

- Be a public or community library. - Be located in a transition or developing economy country. - Have an AI literacy programme or activity that started during or after January 2024. - Have operated the programme for at least six months. - Have the programme active at the time of application. The award is intended for library-led initiatives rather than individual AI educators, private organizations, or programmes that are no longer operational. Eligible AI Literacy Programmes A qualifying programme can be delivered in different formats and may be designed around the specific circumstances of the community.

Eligible activities can include:

- In-person AI literacy courses. - Online AI training sessions. - Workshops and practical learning activities. - AI literacy programmes for specific community groups. - AI education incorporated into media and information literacy programmes. - Collaborative AI literacy initiatives delivered with universities, NGOs, or other partners. The programme should demonstrate innovation and provide meaningful learning opportunities for the community. Programme Duration Requirement The AI literacy activity must have been operational for at least six months at the time of application. It must also have started in January 2024 or later and still be active when the application is submitted. This requirement ensures that the award recognizes programmes with demonstrated implementation rather than activities that exist only as proposals. Why AI Literacy Matters for Public Libraries Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how people access information, communicate, study, work, and make decisions. Public and community libraries can play an important role in helping people understand these changes. Through AI literacy programmes, libraries can provide communities with accessible and trusted learning opportunities. Such initiatives can help people develop the ability to: - Understand emerging AI technologies. - Identify unreliable or misleading AI-generated content. - Use AI tools appropriately. - Consider ethical and social implications. - Improve digital and information literacy. - Adapt to changes in education and employment. By providing these services, libraries can help reduce digital inequalities and ensure that more people can participate confidently in an increasingly AI-driven society.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Libraries are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations to strengthen their AI literacy initiatives.

Potential partners may include: