New PLA award recognizes innovation in library services

Contact: Angela Thullen


PLA, Marketing Specialist


312-280-5023


athullen@ala.org

For Immediate Release


October 9, 2007

New PLA award recognizes innovation in library services

CHICAGO - The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for the Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff award. Members of the PLA can nominate their colleagues and libraries for this new award through an online application available on its Web site,
www.pla.org. The deadline for submitting an application is Dec. 3, 2007.

The Polaris Innovation in Technology John Iliff Award honors the life and accomplishments of John Iliff, an early adopter and champion of technology in public libraries, and recognizes the contributions of a library worker, librarian or library who has used technology and innovative thinking as a tool to improve services to public library users.

The award’s purpose is to encourage innovative user-oriented thinking and practical solutions using old and new technologies. The award provides a $1,000 honorarium, a plaque and a bouquet of roses for the honoree’s workplace. The cash award honors the recipient’s efforts, while the roses recognize the environment that helped nurture the recipient’s innovation.

An award jury appointed by the PLA president will review each nomination and select a recipient at the ALA 2008 Midwinter Meeting. Award winners will be announced in February, 2008, and each award will be presented at the PLA President’s Reception and Awards Presentation, held during the ALA 2008 Annual Conference.

For more information, contact the PLA office, 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA or e-mail the office at
pla@ala.org. To apply or nominate a colleague for an award, visit PLA’s Web site at
www.pla.org . PLA is a division of the American Library Association. Its core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve, while its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.