Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession

About the Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award for Innovation and Service to Community and Profession The candidate for this award shall demonstrate leadership qualities in anticipating emerging trends in services, products and technologies that will enhance the library’s position in its community.  The candidate will participate in the life of the community using membership in and volunteer service through a broad range of community organizations and projects.  Sharing these traits and philosophies through active participation in professional activities will be a plus.  If a suitable candidate is not found, the award will not be presented in that year.

Administered by:

Award and Frequency

There is a $5,000 cash award and a plaque.

This award is given out on an annual basis.

Eligibility

The candidate shall be an administrator in a public library setting who participates in the life of the community using membership in and volunteer service through a broad range of community organizations and projects.

Application Instructions

Please complete the online application, including evidence of impact on the community through extraordinary innovation and service. This may include honors and awards, press reports of successful projects, letters of support from community leaders as well as from the staff and the governing body of the candidate’s library, as well as any other examples.  

Contact Information

Selection Criteria

The following criteria are among those to be considered, but are not all required in a winner:

• Evidence of impact on the community through extraordinary innovation and service may include honors and awards, press reports of successful projects, letters of support from community leaders as well as from the staff and the governing body of the candidate’s library, as well as any other examples. 
• Innovation may be measured by whether the candidate has been ahead of the curve in anticipating trends and opportunities. Some examples may be unique funding options adopted, success in forging relationships with the political environment governing the library, building a staff team with unique/non-traditional background and skills, and other criteria. Partnerships with like-minded organizations and community groups are also an indication of the candidate’s impact.
• Mentoring and/or teaching future leaders in the profession as well as active participation in associations, both within and outside the library world, will be an additional indicator, although not a requirement,  of a candidate’s suitability for the award. 

Notification

The award winner will be notified by the jury chair no later than April 1st.