Awards

The Minnesota Library Association, as a part of its Annual Conference, recognizes the contributions of Association members and others who have worked to improve library services throughout the state. Nominees are solicited in advance and are reviewed annually by an Awards Committee chaired by the past president of the Association. An additional annual award is presented by the current president of the Association.

Other awards may be made by divisions or other subunits of the Association, which are responsible for the nomination and selection processes. These awards are typically made at the Annual Conference and coordinated in advance with the Awards Committee and the MLA office.

All nominations are due August 20, 2010.

» Nominate a candidate.

Award Descriptions and Criteria

Awards of the Minnesota Library Association

• President’s Award
  Nominated and selected by the president of MLA
  Established in 1981, this award recognizes significant and major contributions of members to the work of the Minnesota Library Association. Recipients must be members of MLA as defined in MLA policies and have made the contribution within the current fiscal year or the previous year.
• Distinguished Achievement Category I
  Nominated by current MLA members and selected by the MLA Awards Committee
  Presented in recognition of distinguished service to the profession and for active and innovative leadership in the development of libraries and the improvement of library services. Candidates must have been members of the Minnesota Library Association for at least two years at the time of candidacy.
• Distinguished Achievement Category II
  Nominated by current MLA members and selected by the MLA Awards Committee
  Presented to a recipient who is in actual service as a trustee, friend, etc. during all or part of the year in which she/he is honored. Recognition is given for constructive accomplishment rather than length of service alone, and includes but is not limited to such activities as assisting the library director in developing sound library policies, interpreting the library to the community, fundraising, and advancing library service on the local level as well as regionally or statewide. Candidates must have been a member of the Minnesota Library Association for at least two years at the time of candidacy.
• Certificate of Merit
  Nominated by current MLA members and selected by the MLA Awards Committee
  Presented to one citizen or to an entire board of trustees, Friends group, or other library or group having made a noteworthy contribution to library services in the State of Minnesota. Nominees do not have to be members of MLA and more than one award can be given annually.

Awards of the Minnesota Library Association Division and Subunits

• SSPiN Advocate Award
  Nominated by current MLA members and selected by the SSPiN Committee
  Sponsored by the Support Staff and Paraprofessional Interest Section (SSPiN), this award recognizes library professionals who understand the importance and value of support staff and paraprofessionals and who encourage and support them in his/her organization. Candidates should demonstrate any or all of the following criteria:
  • Excellence in performance in his or her field
  • Current membership in MLA
  • Understanding and value of the importance of support staff and paraprofessionals in his/her organization
  • Providing support staff and paraprofessionals with opportunities to attend and be involved in professional organizations
  • Encouragement and motivation for professional development and membership in MLA and in SSPiN in particular
  • Mentoring of support staff and paraprofessionals in his/her organization
• Una Lamb Paraprofessional of the Year Award
  Nominated by current MLA members and selected by the SSPiN Committee
  Sponsored by the Support Staff and Paraprofessional Interest Section (SSPiN), this award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of professionalism, are supportive of his/her fellow library workers, and demonstrate any or all of the following criteria:
  • Excellence in performance in his or her field
  • Outstanding service to the library profession
  • An ability to foster communication between library workers
  • An interest in advancing and strengthening the image of library staff
  • Active service in library activities at the local, state, regional, or national level
  • An ability to publish and/or present programs, workshops, or seminars
  • Current membership in MLA and SSPiN

Awards from Other Organizations

Minnesota Association of Library Friends (MALF) annually presents an award for outstanding work by a Friends of the Library organization. In appreciation for the work of Friends of the Library throughout the state, MLA announces this award in conjunction with its Annual Conference. For more information, please visit www.malf.info.

Discontinued Awards

• Librarian of the Year
• Trustee of the Year
• Minnesota Academic Librarian of the Year

Past Award Recipients

» Download a listing of past award recipients.