Follett Library Resources increases AASL NSLMPY award to $10,000 in each category

Contact: Keidra Chaney


312-280-4381

For Immediate Release


October 3, 2002

Follett Library Resources increases AASL NSLMPY award to $10,000 in each category

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is now accepting applications for the 2003 National School Library Media Program of the Year (NSLMPY) Award, the most prestigious and longest-standing award presented by AASL.
The application deadline is January 3, 2003.

Now in its 40th year, the NSLMPY Award has been increased to $30,000 by Follett Library Resources, the sponsor of the award since 1995. The award recognizes exemplary school library media programs in three categories: large school district (over 10,000 students), small school district (under 10,000 students) and single school. The winners in each of the three categories will now receive $10,000, plus a crystal obelisk. The winners will be announced at the ALA Annual Conference in Toronto, June 19-25, 2003.

Established in 1963, the NSLMPY Award honors school library media programs practicing their commitment to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. The award emphasizes the importance of the school library media program as an integral part of the instructional process and encourages the development of library media programs that are the result of the collaborative efforts of all those responsible for student learning. As of 2002, there have been 57 programs and schools that have won this honor.

For a copy of the 2003 application, contact the AASL office or go to the
AASL Awards Web site. The Web site also includes a list of past winners. For more information about applications and award eligibility requirements, contact AASL, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, 800-545-2433, ext. 4381, or e-mail
kchaney@ala.org.

AASL promotes the improvement and extension of library media services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library media field.