RUSA Federal Rising Stars Award

Federal

Federal Rising Stars Award

The Federal Rising Stars Award highlights the achievements of those new to the profession. Only people who earned an MLIS or equivalent degree in the past five years are eligible to win the award. It has been administered by RUSA since the Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Interest Group (FAFLIG) joined RUSA in 2020. It was first awarded in 2011, under the name "Federal Rising Stars Initiative," by the Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT). FAFLRT merged in 2018 with the Association of Specialized Government and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA), which dissolved in 2020.

Nominations

To nominate a librarian, complete the nomination form. (Google Form).

If you do not have a Google account or unable to use the Google form, please fill out the PDF nomination form. Send the completed nomination form along with the submission materials to the RUSA Office

Submission Materials

  • Nomination letter or statement, describing the ways in which the nominee fulfills the criteria and purpose of the award.
  • The nomination letter/statement may either include a resume of the nominee listing their activities and contributions and/or summary of the nominee’s activities and contributions.
  • A 2nd letter or statement of endorsement containing specific reasons for supporting the nomination. (Not Required)
  • Provide any other appropriate documentation supporting the candidate (optional).
  • Nominators should discuss nomination with potential candidate before and during creation of submission materials, as RUSA has a promotional event for awardees.

Criteria

Rising Star candidates must:

  • Work or volunteer in a federal or armed forces library or government information management setting.
  • Have graduated from an MLS/MLIS/MSLIS (equivalent) program five years ago or less.
  • Been a professional librarian or information manager for five years or less.
  • Display a passion for the library and information science profession within work and/or volunteer or association activities.
  • Self-nominations are accepted and welcome.
  • Strength of endorsement or letters of support.

Award Recipients

  • 2024 Elan Marae Birkeland, Max Gonzalez Burdick and Lori Ann Mullooly
  • 2021 Mariah Antoinette Lovick
  • 2020 No award presented
  • 2019 No award presented
  • 2017 Heather Kiger, Yosemite Research Library, National Park Service
  • 2016 [None selected]
  • 2015 [None selected]
  • 2014 Katie Rapp, National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • 2013 [None selected]
  • 2012 Caralyn Champa, U.S. Army, Army Knowledge Leaders Program
  • 2011 Aimee Babcock-Ellis, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Library