Deadline extended for LIRT Librarian Recognition Award and LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award

CHICAGO — The Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) invites nominations for two new awards to recognize excellence in information literacy and instruction. The LIRT Librarian Recognition Award will be presented to an individual librarian in appreciation for her/his contributions to the field. The LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award will be given to a library that demonstrates innovation in support of information literacy and instruction.

Award winners will receive a $1,000 cash award, a plaque and a $500 travel stipend to attend the 2014 ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, where they will be presented with the award. Deadline for the 2014 nominations is extended through Jan. 15, 2014.

“The Committee hopes these awards will have a special place in the hearts and minds of individuals who provide diverse types of library instruction,” said Paula C. Johnson, co-chair of the 2013 LIRT Awards Committee.

The LIRT Librarian Recognition Award is given to acknowledge a librarian’s contribution to the development, advancement and support of information literacy and instruction. The award is open to any librarian who participates in instruction/information literacy activities, in any type of library. Instruction need not be the main focus of their position.

The LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award is given in recognition of a Library’s contribution to information literacy instruction. This award is open to all types of libraries, and the focus will be on low-cost and easily reproducible innovations.

Johnson explained, “While nominees and award recipients need not be current LIRT members, we do hope the awards will attract new membership in addition to recognizing individual and program-wide achievement.”

Full details on the awards criteria and the nomination process can be found at the ALA LIRT Awards website. Self-nominations are welcomed. The deadline for nominations for both awards is Jan. 15, 2014.