Description of the Project

The Nashville Public Library Foundation seeks an author to research and write a book based on the Veterans History Project Collection held by the Nashville Public Library’s Special Collections Division. The Veterans History Project Collection consists of over two hundred recorded interviews with local veterans and documentary materials donated by veterans or their families. Materials in the collection include letters, memoirs, scrapbooks, unit histories and unit newsletters, photographs, oral histories and transcripts, maps, and publications. More information about the collection, including detailed finding aids, may be found online at http://www.library.nashville.org/localhistory/his_spcoll_orhist_vhp.asp.

The book should meet scholarly standards and appeal as well to the literate lay public. The oral history interviews conducted by the Nashville Public Library with Nashvillians about their wartime experiences should form the core of the book.

A panel of historians will advise on author selection, provide advice and consultation to the author, and offer review of the work in progress. It is expected that the manuscript will be submitted to an academic press.

The Nashville Public Library Special Collections Division will be the principal source of documentary and visual source material. The author will be awarded the use of one of the library’s Writers’ Rooms for the duration of the project. Other repositories in the region may also need to be consulted, such as the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

The Nashville Public Library

Nashville Public Library serves the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County through the services of its main and twenty branch libraries. Its online services reach well beyond the limits of its facilities. Nashville Public Library offers a collection of more than 1.4 million circulating items including books, videos, DVDs, CDs and eAudiobooks, as well as more than 600 public-use computers, 24/7 reference assistance, and free monthly exhibits and programs such as puppet shows by Wishing Chair Productions seen by nearly 5,000 children each month. The library offers equal access through the Talking Library audio reading service for the print disabled, and Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Nashville Public Library Foundation

The mission of the Nashville Public Library Foundation is to seek and steward funding from private sources for the purpose of enhancing the programs, facilities and collections of the Nashville Public Library, now and in the future. The goal of the Nashville Public Library Foundation is to build assets to fund current and future projects and to help secure the long-term future of the Nashville Public Library. Funds are raised for multiple purposes including current programs, longer term capital projects, collection building and endowment. Funds are raised in advance of disbursement. Grants are made to the library annually. In 2005/2006 the Foundation disbursed grants of over $1.8 million to the library. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised over $14 million. Funds raised by the Foundation enhanced the exquisite Grand Reading Room, the state of the art Conference Center, and the beautiful Robinson Courtyard. The Foundation raised the funds for the Civil Rights Room and has added over 50,000 items to the collections. The Foundation is currently funding a pre-school literacy program called "Bringing Books to Life," sending marionette productions to day care, after-school and community centers with the Puppet Truck Program, running a youth development program and mounting professionally curated art exhibits. The Foundation is conducting a special campaign called Excellence Now. Funds are being sought for five Centers of Excellence, including the Special Collections/Oral History Center. Donations will be used for capital building projects, collection enhancements, and program development.

Schedule

The author is expected to begin work in January 2008. The book will be published by the year 2010. Specific deadlines will be negotiated within this framework.

Compensation

Compensation is negotiable. Applicants are requested to submit compensation requirements as part of their proposals. People residing outside Middle Tennessee are encouraged to apply and to include an estimate of travel and related expenses in their applications.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have an advanced degree in history and a record of research and publication that shows familiarity with military history. Also important in the selection will be a demonstrated record of adherence to project schedules and deadlines.

Proposals

Proposals should include references, c.v., writing samples, schedule and fee proposal, and an essay (ten pages maximum) that describes the approach to the work and engages the secondary literature.

Proposals must be received by December 31, 2007.

Direct questions and submissions to:

Aimee B. James, C.A.
Manager, Special Collections Division
Nashville Public Library
615 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219
aimee.james@nashville.gov
phone: (615) 862-5842
fax: (615) 862-5838