ASCLS Publication Awards

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Publications Award is to recognize excellence in a constituent society's publication/newsletter.  Awards are given in two categories : (1) the traditional newsletter paper format (which includes a newspaper posted on a state society's website) and (2) the true web-based newsletter with associated links, animations, etc.

AWARD:

Winners receive a plaque at the annual ASCLS meeting. Winning entries or web addresses may be posted in the ASCLS Exhibits Booth at the annual ASCLS meeting in the Exhibits Hall, space allowing.

Entries are submitted by ASCLS constituent societies.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Publication dates of submitted issues must be between the previous February and the current February, inclusively.
• The ASCLS Office must be on the mailing list or email list.
• Entries must include the completed ASCLS Publication Award application form.
• Four copies of each of two issues that best represents the publication efforts are to be submitted.
• For the web-based newsletter, submit the web site address with an indication of the two issues that are to be judged.   Please keep all newsletters for that award year on the website if possible.   If space is an issue, contact the Publication Award contact for directions on submission before newsletter files are replaced

EACH AWARDS COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD THE AWARD FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IF NOMINEES DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

One publication award will be awarded to the constituent society newsletter judged the best from among all of the printed entries entries and one will be given for the best among all of the web-based newsletters.   Judging of each entry is based on the following:

• OVERALL APPEARANCE - the publication is inviting for the receiver to read. It "jumps out" for the reader from a collection of publications or from the screen. It is easy to follow, has consistent type styles with quality printing (for printed version).
  
  
• COVERAGE & CONTENT - the articles in the publication should have appeal, relevance, diversity and balance. It should be relevant to Clinical Laboratory Science; have a balance of national, regional, and local news and actively elicit suggestions, opinions, articles, etc. from readers. The printed publication should clearly and prominently list contact information for the Editor, Board of Directors, committee chairs, etc. (mail, phone, email).
  
  
• CREATIVITY AND DISPLAY - the publication design elements should reflect imaginative and original planning. Each page should have a clear center of interest with captions, headlines, photos and copy effectively filling the allotted space.  For the web-based versiou, it should be easy to get to and easy to view. Posted links must be current and be functional.
  
  
• PHOTO, ARTS, & GRAPHICS - the photos are of good quality and reflect imaginative and original layout and spacing. Graphics and artwork have technically good quality that enhances the publication.
  
  
• COPY - the copy is informative, interesting and includes imaginative headlines, news stories, feature articles, quotes, etc. The writing is lively with strong, colorful nouns and verbs (except for scientific articles). Paragraphs of approximately 40 words have the most important facts in the opening words.

All publications will be examined for compliance with the ASCLS standards of publication as provided to all constituent society editorial staff members: editor, president, and immediate past-president.

To download an application form for this the printed newsletter award in pdf format, click here.

To download one for the web-based version, click here.