Recognize outstanding service to the GLBT community through the 2018 GLBTRT awards

CHICAGO — The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) of the American Library Association seeks to honor librarians, library related organizations (including libraries, library staff, library boards, library friends) and other individuals or groups (public or private) that have demonstrated excellence in the area of responding to the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Feb. 1, 2018.

GLBTRT invites the professional community to nominate colleagues whose work has influenced our thinking and growth, and whose contributions merit recognition by the profession for one of three professional development awards. A letter of nomination is required along with at least five but no more than 10 supporting documents. Supporting documents can include letters of support, statements of outstanding contributions, copies of presentations, links to resources created and other evidence.

The GLBTRT Award for Political Activism honors librarians, library related organizations (including libraries, library staff, library boards, library friends) and other individuals or groups (public or private) that have demonstrated excellence in the area of GLBT activism. The award is designed for someone who is involved in efforts to promote GLBT issues, impedes the progress of anti-GLBT efforts or raises awareness of GLBT matters locally, statewide, nationally or internationally. The award recognizes the work of taking a clear stance on an issue, voicing an opinion and working to ensure that positive change happens for the GLBT community. The award may be given for a specific action, repeated actions (like a campaign), or a lifetime of work. Submit a nomination.

The Larry Romans Mentorship Award, administered jointly by GLBTRT and the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT), recognizes librarians who, through their sustained mentoring efforts, have made a difference in our profession. Each year, the award will honor a librarian who has demonstrated excellence in the area of mentoring, who has successfully encouraged others to serve as mentors and who has impacted the lives and careers of others through tirelessly devoting time, energy and talent toward helping others succeed in our profession. Submit a nomination.

The Newlen-Symons Award for Excellence in Serving the GLBT Community honors a librarian, library staff member, library, library board and/or library friends group who have designed programs and/or initiatives responsive to the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. By honoring programs and/or initiatives with demonstrated impact on the GLBT community that have been sustained over a period of time, this award seeks to 1) increase the number of services to or for the LGBT community in libraries, and 2) enhance the quality and sustainability of such services. Submit a nomination.

One of each award will be given annually to an eligible candidate. These awards consist of a citation and $1,000.If a suitable candidate is not found, the award will not be presented in a given year.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table of the American Library Association is the oldest professional association for LGBT people in the United States. It is committed to serving the information needs of the GLBT professional library community and information and access needs of individuals at large. It is home to GLBT Book Month (tm), a nationwide celebration every June and the Stonewall Book Award, the oldest award honoring GLBT books. GLBTRT is committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the American Library Association and democratic institutions.