The Books for the World program helps scientists, educators, extension personnel and other agriculturalists in developing countries acquire educational materials from APS PRESS, and promotes the international distribution of books, CDs, and other APS resources.
The intended focus of this fund is on diagnostic tools and pest management. Applicants may select from any of the resources available from APS PRESS using the current prices listed in the
online bookstore. Librarians may apply on behalf of their institutions, and in such cases, should describe how resources will be placed in a managed library with an established borrowing system.
Selected recipients will also receive a one-year complimentary membership (once) to APS if they are not already members. Lapsed members are not eligible.
Fund Amount: $3,000 (6 at $500 USD each)
Individuals from any country will be eligible to apply, but preference will be given to individuals from developing countries who demonstrate financial need. In rare cases applicants may reside within the U.S., but to be considered for the award they must demonstrate that they are unable to gain access to the resources by other means or that they intend to travel to an international destination to assist with agricultural development. Although resources can be requested for an individual’s personal library, preference will be given to shared usage of resources.
An individual applicant may receive the book fund multiple times however the complimentary APS membership is only offered once. Priority of funds issued will be given new applicants.
Application material must include the following three items:
- Itemized list of resources
- Statement
- Letter of recommendation
List of Resources
Create a list of resources you are requesting from the APS PRESS Bookstore, itemize the costs including the full cost of shipping. The total cost of resources plus shipping should not exceed $500 USD.
If you are currently an APS member, please use your member login and shipping address to select books in order to calculate your costs at
www.shopapspress.org. This will automatically deduct 10% from the cost of the books you are selecting and add your shipping charge. Your order total with shipping should not exceed $500 USD. Use this information in your request. Do not complete your purchase as this step is for information purposes only to apply for this award.
If you are not currently an APS member, go to
www.shopapspress.org to create a new account which will give you a login, a password, and an address record. Then use your login, password and shipping address to select titles in order to calculate the costs of the books you want in the online bookstore. You may deduct 10% from the “Total” line in your shopping cart and then add the shipping charge shown. Your order total with shipping should not exceed $500 USD. Use this information in your request. Do not complete your purchase as this step is for information purposes only to apply for this award.
Statement
The applicant must provide a statement (2 pages maximum) to include (a) reasons for requesting the resources, including financial need, which may include foreign exchange issues; and (b) what will be done with the resources once received (where they will be housed, how utilized, etc.) For example, if the applicant is a librarian, the applicant may put the resource(s) into the institute library and monitor check out and return procedures. Applicants are encouraged to share the resources with others, and include a statement on who will share the books or other resources (students, libraries, laboratory staff, etc.)
Letter of Recommendation
An additional letter (1 page maximum) from a local sponsor/partner (head of institute, librarian, supervisor, or other reference) to support the applicant’s statement. The letter must include the local sponsor’s name, mailing address, and email contact information. Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately by the letter writer using the
Letter of Recommendation Form and are due each year by February 1.
Submit Letter of Recommendation
Complete the online application form and submit all of the above required materials (except for the Letter of Recommendation) are to be saved as one PDF file and uploaded to the online portal by February 1 of each year.
Submit Application
The Books for the World Committee from the Office of International Programs will review applications and select the recipient(s).
Established in 2013, this fund is designed to help scientists, educators, extension personnel and other agriculturalists in developing countries acquire educational materials from APS PRESS and to promote international distribution of books, CDs and other APS resources. Up to $500 book funds per applicant will be made available, with recipients selected by a reviewing committee that will evaluate applications based on the stated purpose, financial need (including exchange rate), and intended use of the materials. The intended focus is on diagnostic tools and pest management.
The Books for the World fund is jointly managed by the APS Foundation and the APS Office of International Programs. Selected recipients will also receive a complimentary one-year membership to APS if they have never been a member of APS. Lapsed APS members are not eligible for this offering.
Contribute for the Books for the World Fund!
Your donations will help scientists from around the world get the APS PRESS resources they need.
