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If your question is not listed below, please email ALA's Public Programs Office.

Eligibility and Participant Requirements

• Which types of libraries are eligible to apply?
• What age group is the exhibit geared towards?
• How many libraries will be awarded?
• What are the dates of the exhibition tour?
• Will training be provided for host libraries?

The Application Process

• How do I apply?
• Can I see the questions before starting my application?
• May applications be submitted in hard copy?
• This is my first time applying for an opportunity through ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPPO's grants management platform. How do I use the system?
• Does the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPublic Programs Office offer support for first-time or less-experienced grant writers?
• When is the application deadline?
• Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?
• How will my application be evaluated?

Exhibition Logistics

• What is the size of the exhibition?
• Do libraries need to supply any equipment for the exhibition?

Programming Requirements

• What are the programming requirements?
• Do all of the programs have to be held in-person?
• What is the project consultation panel that is a required part of the grant?
• Are applicants required to secure commitments from all members of their proposed project consultation panel during the application process?

Questions and Contact

• What if I have questions about my application?

Eligibility and Participant Requirements

Q: Which types of libraries are eligible to apply?

A: Eligible institutions include public libraries in the United States and U.S. territories. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Federal entities are ineligible to apply. Applications from organizations whose projects are so closely intertwined with a federal entity that the project takes on characteristics of the federal entity's own authorized activities may also be deemed ineligible. This does not preclude applicants from using grant funds from, or sites and materials controlled by, other federal entities in their projects.

Q: What age group is the exhibit geared towards?

A: People of all ages can enjoy this exhibit, and activities corresponding to the exhibit can be created and geared towards any age. Please note that a sculpture in the exhibit contains nudity. You can preview the sculpture, entitled “Learning to Survive,” on the .

Q: How many libraries will be awarded?

A: Six public libraries will be selected to present the exhibition in their communities. Each host library will receive the exhibition for a period of six to nine weeks.

Q: What are the dates of the exhibition tour? What are the available host periods for libraries?

A: The exhibition will travel the country from December 2023 to July 2026. Library host periods (ranging from six to nine weeks each) are available each summer and winter. See a list of available host periods. Applicants will be asked to provide their scheduling preferences as part of the online application.

Q: Will training be provided for host libraries?

A: Pre-recorded virtual training will be available for library project directors (local coordinators). The training will cover the goals, scientific content, community programming, audience interaction and evaluation strategies, and conversational approaches that are the foundation of this project. In addition, scientists from the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Human Origins Program will be available to answer questions.

The Application Process

Q: How do I apply?

A: To begin the application process, . You can download to review the questions ahead of time in order to prepare your answers.

Q: Can I see the questions before starting my application?

A: Yes, a PDF of the application is available .

Q: May applications be submitted in hard copy?

A: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on November 7, 2022, via ALA’s online grants management platform. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call 312.280.5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: This is my first time applying for an opportunity through ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPPO's grants management platform. How do I use the system?

A: Please review our How to Apply webpage. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call 312.280.5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: Does the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPublic Programs Office offer support for first-time or less-experienced grant writers?

A: ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵrecognizes that libraries that most need financial support are often those with the least capacity to apply for grants due to inadequate resources and staffing. If you feel you need support in developing your application, please request a 20-minute phone consultation with a member of the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPublic Programs Office staff so we may assist you. Please request this consultation by emailing publicprograms@ala.org.

Q: When is the application deadline?

A: ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵwill accept applications for Exploring Human Origins between September 12 and November 7, 2022. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on November 7, 2022, via our grants management platform. Late or incomplete applications, and applications from ineligible institutions, will not be reviewed. Applications and support materials may not be submitted by mail or e-mail. If you encounter problems interacting with our online grants management platform due to difficulties with assistive technologies, please contact publicprograms@ala.org or call 312.280.5045. Please also include information about the nature of your accessibility barrier so we can best provide support.

Q: Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?

A: No. All applicants will be notified by ALA, regardless of the outcome of their applications. Libraries will be notified via e-mail by January 16, 2023. If your library has not received notification by the stated date, please contact ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵat 312-280-5045 or publicprograms@ala.org. Ensure you receive messages regarding your application! Emails regarding your application status will come from administrator@grantinterface.com. Please save this email address as a contact to prevent notification emails from being marked as spam.

Q: How will my application be evaluated?

A: Applications for Exploring Human Origins will be peer-reviewed and evaluated according to the following criteria: clarity and completeness of the application; evidence of local programming and publicity support; ideas and vision for exhibition programs; quality and comprehensiveness of communications and audience recruitment plans; and institutional administrative support for the project. Other factors that may influence the final selection of exhibition sites include location of the sites and size and demographics of the community. Learn more about the evaluation criteria here.

Exhibition Logistics

Q: What is the size of the exhibition?

A: The exhibition requires 1,200 square feet in one location in a library for optimum display. Because of the nature of exhibition content and the historical sequence of human origins findings, the exhibition components should be displayed in a prescribed order. The exhibition consists of 40 panels: one standing panel tripod unit of eleven panels; one tripod unit with nine panels; two curved units of eight panels each; one curved unit of three panels; and one single standing panel unit. There will also be two and a display of skulls. In addition, there are five small freestanding, retractable banners: two introductory banners with the thematic question and three banners expanding on exhibit content. .

Q: Do libraries need to supply any equipment for the exhibition?

A: Host libraries are asked to provide two devices that can play back videos via DVD, a downloaded file, or internet-based streaming. These are for videos that can be played from the NMNH Human Origins Program website via the internet or via downloaded video files provided. There must be wireless Internet access in the display area. Electricity must be available nearby for the kiosks and monitors (four to five electrical outlets).

Programming Requirements

Q: What are the programming requirements?

A: In order to reach a large audience in their communities, library host sites are required to host at least seven public programs throughout the course of their host period. Required programs include three or four programs, as described below, presented by scientists from the NMNH Human Origins Program, plus a minimum of four additional programs throughout the library's host period. One of the programs must be a formal opening of the exhibition (which may be held in conjunction with the evening science program, described in more detail in the programming requirements). Programs, including presentations by scientists from the Human Origins Program, may be held in-person or virtually/hybrid. Learn more about the programming requirements here.

Q: Do all of the programs have to be held in-person?

A: No. All public programs related to the exhibit, including presentations by scientists from the NMNH Human Origins Program, may be held in-person or virtually/hybrid.

Q: What is the project consultation panel that is a required part of the grant?

A: Library host sites are required to create a local consultation panel composed of community members of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The panels are meant to serve as advisors for developing local programs and publicity, and for organizing and conducting community discussions about evolution. The panels will ideally be composed of people from different religious, educational, humanities, civic, scientific and other community groups. The size of the consultation panel is flexible depending on community needs.

Q: Are applicants required to secure commitments from all members of their proposed project consultation panel during the application process?

A: Libraries should reach out to potential panel members before submitting their application, but they are not required to secure commitments from all panel members in order to apply.

Questions and Contact

Q: What if I have questions about my application?

A: Call the ÂÜÀòÍøÊÓƵPublic Programs Office with any application or grant-related questions – (312) 280-5045 or toll free at (800) 545-2433 x 5045. You can also send an e-mail to publicprograms@ala.org.