"To be given to an NDLA member who has made notable contributions to the North Dakota library profession, has furthered significant development of libraries in North Dakota, or has performed exemplary statewide service for an extended period of time.  In the case of retired individuals, the nominee may be a past member of NDLA."  Contact Kathryn.Thomas@ndsu.edu for verification. The honoree is profiled in The Good Stuff, receives a commemorative plaque and a one-year free NDLA membership. Recognition of the recipient is made during the NDLA Awards Banquet at the annual NDLA conference.

The person or persons nominating a candidate should present individual letters of support (minimum of five), articles, newspaper clippings, and any other material which illustrates the nominee's qualifications.  A single letter with multiple signatures is NOT acceptable.

   - Nominees from previous years may be nominated again.
   - The Librarian of the Year Award is not necessarily presented every year.

If more information is needed or to submit a nomination, contact:

Beth Postema, Chair
NDLA Librarian of the Year and Major Benefactor Award Committee
Fargo Public Library Administrative Offices
4630 15th Ave. N.
Fargo ND 58102
Phone 701-241-8198
Fax 701-241-8581
BPostema@cityoffargo.com

NDLA Librarian of the Year Award Winners

This citation is awarded by the SLAYS division of NDLA to school superintendents, elementary and/or secondary school principals or district directors of instructional materials centers (currently in administrative office and directly responsible for a school or a group of schools), who have made significant contributions and have been strongly supportive in maintaining or strengthening an exemplary school library media program within public schools of the State of North Dakota.

The honoree is profiled in The Good Stuff and receives a commemorative plaque. Recognition of the recipient is made during the banquet at the annual NDLA conference. Nominations may be made by any personal member of NDLA listed in the current directory and should be sent to:

Kathy Berg, Chair
SLAYS
Horizon Middle School
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone 701-323-4561
Kathy_Berg@bismarckschools.org

The nomination should include:

1. A statement of the nominee's outstanding and sustained contribution toward furthering the role of the school library media center and its development in elementary and/or secondary education.

2. The statement should include basic information on the school system as a whole, a description of the library situation at the time the administrator began the program, contrasted with the current situation and a clear statement of current commitments and future plans for the improvement of the school library services.

3. Accompanying the nomination statement should be a brief biographical data sheet.

This award honors administrators who have accomplished one or more of the following goals:

    (1) advanced the role of the school library media center services in the educational program of the school;

    (2) exhibited a responsible and influential role in developing successful media programs;

    (3) stimulated interest in cooperative planning, implementation, and support necessary to improve and/or strengthen the school library media program within the educational structure of all public schools throughout the State; and

    (4) provided visibility and created public awareness of the school library media center and its programs within the community, both public and educational.

This citation is awarded by the NDLA Executive Board to a person or persons who have made significant contributions to a library or libraries in North Dakota. The Major Benefactor Award winner will be profiled in The Good Stuff and receive a commemorative plaque. Recognition of the recipient is made during the NDLA Award Banquet at the annual NDLA conference. To nominate an individual or group, send a letter of nomination, which includes specific reasons for your nomination to:

Beth Postema, Chair
NDLA Librarian of the Year and Major Benefactor Award Committee
Fargo Public Library Administrative Offices
4630 15th Ave. N.
Fargo ND 58102
Phone 701-241-8198
Fax 701-241-8581
BPostema@cityoffargo.com

NDLA Major Benefactor Award Winners

The New Members Roundtable has an excellent opportunity for librarians in North Dakota to attend the annual conference of the North Dakota Library Association.

The Grassroots Grant gives new librarians and future librarians a chance to go to conference. This grant will finance attendance of up to two members to the annual conference. One award will be given to a student currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program. The second award will be given to a librarian with less than six years of experience who is attending an NDLA conference for the first time. Both recipients must be current members of NDLA. The full registra­tion (including meals) for each recipient will be waived. The grant does not cover the cost of trav­el, lodging, or any other expenses.

The recipients must agree to attend the full conference (agreement does not cover the pre-conference) and submit an article to The Good Stuff about their conference experience.

The recipient of the Grassroots Grant agrees to:

• Confirm in writing with the NMRT Grassroots Grant Committee that he or she will accept the grant and will attend the NDLA Annual Conference.
• Provide confirmation in writing from his or her employing institution that he or she has approval to accept this grant and to meet the requirements of conference attendance.
• Attend all three days of the NDLA Annual Conference.
• Attend the Executive Board Meeting (as a guest) on the third day.
• Submit an article for publication in the NDLA newsletter, The Good Stuff, about their experiences at the Conference.

Questions regarding application for the NMRT Grassroots Grant may be directed to:

Lori K. West, Chair
New Members Roundtable
Fargo Public Library
2801 32 Ave S
Fargo ND 58103
Phone: 701-476-5977
Fax: 701-476-5981
lwest@cityoffargo.com

These citations are voted in by NDLA conference attendees (majority vote) for those State publications that have caught their eye either visually or the contents within.  The successful vote getters are sent to the American Library Association for nomination nationally.  Please remember to vote each year for your favorite documents.  The honorees are profiled in The Good Stuff and the agency who published the top vote getter receives a commemorative plaque. Recognition of the notable documents occurs during the banquet at the annual NDLA conference. For further information, please contact the Chair of the Government Documents Roundtable:

Kathryn Thomas
Government Documents Roundtable, Chair
NDSU Library
PO Box 5599
Fargo ND 58105-5599
Phone: 701-231-8863
Fax: 701-231-7138
Kathryn.Thomas@ndsu.edu

“To be presented to a school or public library that exemplifies excellence in library services to youth. This excellence can be demonstrated through one or more of the following: collaborative partnerships; access to technology; information and readers advisory services; education support; programs and services that address special needs or underserved customers; reading promotion; youth participation; intergenerational activities; programs and services that emphasize and promote the library's role in the state, region, local municipality and/or school district.”

• Nominations may be made by any personal member of NDLA.
• The nomination must be received by the SLAYS Chair on or before August 1st of each year to be considered for the award
• The nomination should consist of a written letter explaining why the library is being nominated and should include the following:
• a description of the nature of the service or program, either new or continuing, including the goals and objectives of the service, program, event or project,
• the direct and indirect benefits of the service or program,
• the need the service or program filled, and
• the results of the service or program.

The award committee will be appointed by the SLAYS Chair and will include the SLAYS Chair, Chair-Elect (and/or Secretary) and additional members of SLAYS as the Chair deems appropriate.

The award will be presented during the banquet at the annual NDLA conference and will consist of a commemorative plaque provided by SLAYS.

If more information is needed or to submit a nomination, contact:

Kathy Berg, Chair
SLAYS
Horizon Middle School
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone 701-323-4561
Kathy_Berg@bismarckschools.org