School Librarians Now Eligible for the 'I Love My Librarian Award'
RSSBy Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 09/09/2008
For the first time, school librarians are now eligible to apply for the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award, created seven years ago to recognize the work of public librarians.
The decision to include media specialists was made possible through a $489,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to the American Library Association. “We’re thrilled to be working with the Carnegie Corporation and the American Library Association to honor librarians who play such a vital role in our communities,” says Scott Heekin-Canedy, president of the New York Times. “What began as a local Times initiative in New York City seven years ago has grown to a national awards program, and now we are proud to be co-presenting the award with the Carnegie Corporation and the ALA.”
The award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community. Each winner receives a $5,000 cash award, a plaque, and a $500 travel stipend to attend the awards reception at the Times Center in New York City.
Ann Martin, president of the American Association of School Librarians, says the inclusion of media specialists was needed because of the key role they play in student achievement.
“School library media specialists provide the foundation for information seeking skills, reading, and life long learning,” she says.
Nominations for school and academic librarians began September 2 and will continue through October 15. Nominees will be judged by a selection committee based on quality of service to library users, demonstrated knowledge of the library, and a commitment to helping library users.
Each nominee must have a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information studies or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Nominees also must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college, or university or at an accredited K-12 school.
For more information, visit http://www.ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian/school.cfm.
