ZIBF call for nominations - Life-long contributions

The Zimbabwe International Book Fair is calling for nominations for its award for life-long contributions to the African book industry. Deadline for nominations is 31 May 2004 and can be made at www.zibf.org.zw. This is an annual prize to be presented at the ZIBF.

The award was established at the 2003 fair and aims to recognise those individuals, publishing houses, companies or organisations that have made an effort to promote the African book industry and whose endeavours have made a mark, if not changed the course of the continent’s book industry.

The candidates for the award should represent the aims and goals of ZIBF and must personify and qualify quality, commitment, social and cultural relevance, says the ZIBF. While the award will predominantly be meant for Africans, it will not discriminate against those from outside the continent who may have made a sterling contribution to the African book sector, it says.

Entries can be made on the ZIBF website www.zibf.org.zw Nomination forms will be available on the website and will also be distributed via email for distribution to as wide an audience of stakeholders as possible. Hard copies of the nomination forms will be made for distribution via libraries, colleges and universities.

The deadline for nominations is 31 May 2004 and the winner will be announced during ZIBF 2004 in August.

The judges will be drawn from African countries and will include personalities who have a knowledge and understanding of the African book industry. They will be invited to meet just after the close of nominations and are expected to announce a shortlist in June 2004 before announcing the winner at ZIBF 2004.