Librarian of the Year Nomination Guidelines

Deadline extended to November 17, 2008

-- Library Journal, 3/14/2008

The LJ editors are seeking nominations for the 21st annual Library Journal Librarian of the Year Award to honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments reflecting the loftiest service goals of the library profession. These include:

• free access to information for all
• the encouragement of reading and the creation of inducements to greater use of books and other library materials and information sources
• the enhancement and expansion of library service to all areas and constituencies in the community
• the strengthening of the library role and position in the community whether that community is a city or town, college or university, school, company, or corporation.

Any working professional librarian in any type of library anywhere in North America (United States, Canada, Mexico) is eligible. "Professional" means a person in possession of a master's degree in Library and/or Information Science and/or holding a position designated "professional" in a library or library service.

Examples of winning achievements can include but are not limited to:

• Creating innovative information services to serve identified community needs and thus enhance library service without resorting to user fees
• Building, rebuilding, and/or strengthening local political, fiscal, and public support
• Effectively promoting the use of the library's services and collections
• Carving out a niche within a company, corporation, or campus that makes the library more vital and central to the mission and success of the firm or institution.

Nominations for Librarian of the Year are sought and welcome from the entire profession as well as from trustees, administrators, officials, colleagues, and citizens. Nominating letters should name the candidate and describe in 500 words or less why the nominee is deserving of recognition. Supporting letters and accompanying material will be considered, but the nominating letter itself will be of prime importance. People nominated in previous years are also eligible. The postmark deadline for nominations is Monday, November 17, 2008.

Send your nominations and supporting materials to:

Librarian of the Year/LJ
360 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010

Or via email to: akim@reedbusiness.com