Publications

*Categories updated in 2023. Review the descriptions below before submitting!

8-A Fact sheet

8-B Bulletins or Educational Guides

8-C Project books

8-D Monographs/Journal Articles/Book Chapters

Purpose:

  • All – Fact Sheet, Project Book, Bulletins or Educational Guides, Monographs and Journal Articles and Book Chapters – defined as an educational piece on a single subject.
    • A fact sheet provides information in a concise method (i.e. bulleted points, graphics, summary of the topic), regardless of whether it is labeled as a fact sheet or bulletin. Generally, fact sheets are something that can be posted on a platform such as Ohioline. Multiple fact sheets that are part of a group or series can be judged as one entry.
    • A bulletin or educational guides is an educational publication that may be designed for a lay audience but is likely directed to a specialized subset thereof (e.g., producers, volunteers). This category may include field guides, production guides, study guides, curriculum guides, resource guides and books, and training manuals.
    • A project book is an educational publication that is designed as self-study manuals for youth to read and complete under the supervision of a project helper. They are the resources by which 4-H members experience a project’s content in a meaningful way
    • A monograph, journal article, or book chapter is a scholarly work directed to an audience of professionals within a given field or academic discipline. A journal article should be submitted after it has been published.
  • Note in the award application if this was a revision and what new parts were contributed to this project.
  • If a publication is a revision, include the original author on the award submission if they are currently with Extension. If they are no longer with Extension they should have credit in the original document.
  • Please note: academic works conducted as a student such as a project, thesis, or dissertation should not be submitted, as that was work conducted as a student to meet degree requirements, not as an Extension publication. However, items developed based on the findings of the study/work such as a journal article, project book, or fact sheet(s), etc. could be submitted in their respective category.

Submit: One copy of the publication and information about the intended audience, purpose and number distributed. Current Extension Branding is required. Materials available in electronic format should be uploaded in pdf format. Active links to websites may also be used.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Content: Does the title help the reader understand the content? Is information useful and timely? Is the information presented in a logical progression? Does it provide enough detail for the reader to be able to use the information or indicate where to learn more? (35)
  2. Readability: Is the writing well-organized and clearly written, using correct sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation? Does it have simple sentences, short paragraphs, and easily understood terms? Is the language suitable for the audience for which it is intended? (30)
  3. Design and Appearance: Does the format and design attract and hold the attention of the reader? Do illustrations support the information? Is the design appropriate for the audience? Is white space used effectively? Are subheads used to help organize the information? Is the reproduction clear and clean? (10)
  4. General Information with Submission:
    • Abstract: (5)
    • Audience targeted: (5)
    • Goals for entry: (5)
    • Need(s) being addressed: (5)
    • Evaluation results: (5)

Note: If proper Extension branding is not followed, up to 25% will be deducted from the point total.