Tips for Writing Successful Nominations
- Be clear and specific. Don't assume R&R members will understand a project or achievement. Be specific about what the nominee(s) did and how that helps fulfill the Libraries' mission. And be sure to explain the technical details in such a way that non-experts will understand. "Explain it so my cousin would get it."
- Say it like it is. Don’t worry about using fancy speech. Feel free to use bulleted lists when appropriate.
- Use concrete examples. Anecdotes, quotations from colleagues or patrons, specific numbers or statistics about work done or patrons served: concrete details like these help strengthen your nomination.
- Achieve "a certain degree of amplitude." Successful nominations have enough detail to make the case for the nominee's (or nominees') achievement.
- Communicate sincerity and personal committment. Show that you value the contribution of your nominee(s) and are personally commending them to the committee's attention.
- Consider a collaborative, group-written nomination. If you find yourself shying away from a solo nomination, then round up a colleague or two and write one together. It makes gathering ideas and writing the nomination easier.
Need more help? Check out some sample nominations.
Ready to go? Nominate a colleague for an Infinite Mile award.
Questions? Contact the R+R Committee at rr-lib@mit.edu.
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