The Smithsonian Libraries is pleased to offer a call for applicants for the 2016 Neville-Pribram Mid-Career Educators Award. The Vine Deloria, Jr. Library for the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is the host library for the selected 2016 Educator. In operation since 1999, the Deloria Library is the 20th library of the Smithsonian Libraries and is located in Suitland, MD in the NMAI’s Cultural Resources Center (CRC) where it shares research and collection space with the NMAI Archives.
The Deloria Library research materials include over 16,000 volumes of books, periodicals, microfilm, and media in the main collection; a small, but growing rare book section; Native American Artist Files; and, ephemera. The Library collections cover the broad range of topics and disciplines related to the histories, cultures, arts, and contemporary issues of Native American and Indigenous peoples in the Western Hemisphere. Strengths in the collection are tribal histories, biographies, traditional and modern art, language and literature – including children and young adult materials, Native knowledge, and collections care. Because Native Studies is interdisciplinary by nature, there is overlap of coverage in other Smithsonian libraries, so research could will include research materials from other libraries.
The 2016 Neville-Pribram Mid-Career Educator awardee will have ample opportunity to explore, 
utilize, create, and share a project that contributes to continued learning and application of Native American knowledge in education. In addition to library resources, the awardee will have the opportunity to engage with staff, tribal visitors, and/or other researchers; attend Smithsonian or NMAI sponsored festivals, symposia, programs and events to enhance the resident experience.
Criteria:
Applicants must be current middle school, high school, or college teachers or museum educators working on curriculum development or publications. They may not reside within commuting distance of the Vine Deloria, Jr. Library in Suitland, MD – where they will conduct their research. This award is not intended to further the research of doctoral candidates or post-doctoral scholars. One award is offered each year. Awards may not be used to extend other Smithsonian appointments.
How to apply:
Selection is based upon a brief proposal (no more than three pages), and current resumé. The proposal should include:
• Description of the project and intended outcome
• The relationship of the NMAI’s Deloria Library collections to the project
• A current resumé
• One letter of recommendation
• The Length and preferred dates of the residency
Applications should be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA) at https://solaa.si.edu. You will be required to create an account. You may review the SOLAA User’s Guide on the website to familiarize yourself with application procedures.
Applications are accepted through November 30, 2015. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The Awardee of the 2016 Neville-Pribram Mid-Career Educator will be notified by December 18, 2015.
Following the summer residency with the Smithsonian Libraries, the awardee will provide a presentation of their research, and submit a short report on their project at the Vine Deloria, Jr. Library, the primary site where the research is conducted. Should any publication result from this residency, the awardee will also provide the Deloria Library a copy to be added to the collection.
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