Member of the Year Award
& the President's Award
DATE DUE: Deadline for completed nominations is September 15.
- Nominee Form (31k)
- Past Winners (21k)
Each year, the California Library Association presents two of its most prominent and prestigious awards to individuals for their contributions to California libraries.
The Member of the Year Award honors a member of CLA for his/her leadership and achievement, while the President's Award recognizes a group or individual such as a trustee, friend, or layperson who has demonstrated significant leadership in support of California libraries. These awards are presented at the annual conference.
Member of the Year Award
Purpose: To recognize an individual member of the California Library Association for his/her outstanding contributions, leadership and achievements in service to California libraries.
Eligibility For Award: Given to a current member of the Association who has held membership for at least three years. Recipient must be, or have been, working in a recognized library position or teaching in library education. Elected officials of the Association (president, vice-president, immediate past president, treasurer and ALA chapter councilor) are excluded from consideration for this award during their term of office.
Criteria For Award: Given to a member who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of libraries and librarianship through professional activities within the past three years. Consideration for selection as Member of the Year includes: distinguished service to the profession; active and innovative leadership in the development of libraries and the improvement of library service; and outstanding contributions in promoting libraries and bringing community, regional or statewide recognition to libraries. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of the evidence and support presented in the nomination as to the nature and scope of the accomplishments, and on the committee's own knowledge of the nominee's qualifications. The Committee is NOT expected to undertake research into the qualification of nominees. If no qualified candidate is nominated, the Committee may either extend the search deadline or opt not to give an award that year.
President's Award
Purpose: To recognize outstanding contributions, leadership and achievement in support of California libraries by a Trustee, Friend, Elected Official or other lay person(s).
Eligibility for Award: Given to a Trustee, Friend, Elected Official or lay person(s) who has given his or her time and talents to further the advancement of California Libraries. Membership in CLA is not a requirement.
Criteria for Award: Given to an individual (or group) who has demonstrated support for California libraries through contributions, leadership and achievements during the last year or over the past three years. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of the evidence and support presented in the nomination as to the nature and scope of the accomplishments, and on the committee members' own knowledge of the nominees' qualifications. The committee is NOT expected to undertake research into the qualifications of the nominees. If no qualified candidate is nominated, the Committee may extend the search deadline or opt not to give an award that year.