The Public Libraries Section (PLS) is currently taking applications for NYLA Conference Scholarships, Building Awards, and the L. Marion Moshier/Asa Wynkoop Award for Distinguished Librarianship.
Application deadline for all awards is June 30, 2017.
Submit applications and questions to: rmaguire@onlib.org
PLS Public Libraries NYLA Conference Scholarship
Five (5) Conference Scholarships will be awarded to encourage public librarians (professional degree not required) now in the field, or students in library school, to participate in NYLA or PLS activities.
Each award maximum is $1200.00, which includes full conference registration, travel or other conference related expenses and membership in NYLA and PLS if the winner is not already a member.
Additionally, the winner will be asked to help with staffing at the PLS booth at the conference. The winner(s) is expected to attend the annual conference including the awards ceremony.
Award recipients are selected by the PLS Board upon the recommendation of the PLS awards committee.
Eligibility Requirements:
You need not be a current member of NYLA or PLS to apply. Professional Degree is not required.
Application, in the form of a letter, must include:
• Why you wish to attend the Conference
• How you plan to integrate the experience into your work
• How you plan to share your experience with your fellow professionals
• How the award will influence your professional goals.
Applicants must submit receipts and proof of reimbursement by other sources within 30 days after the conference.
You may only receive one award in your lifetime.
PLS Public Libraries Building Awards
This year’s Building Awards will go to a library in a community serving less than 20,000 in population, as well as a library in a community of over 20,000 in population.
The focus of the award is the impact that a construction project has had on the library’s ability to provide services to its community. Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate cost effective solutions to space challenges as well as innovative usage of space and floor plans.
These Building Awards are for New Construction Projects only. Renovation and Restoration Projects can be nominated in 2018.
Both libraries to receive recognition will receive a $1,000 cash award, a display plaque and an official press release from the Public Libraries Section of NYLA for the library to distribute to local media outlets.
Eligibility Requirements:
• A Public Library in New York State
• Attendance at the 2017 NYLA Conference
• Current Public Libraries Section Board Member Libraries’ are Ineligible
• Previous Winners are Ineligible
Applicants must submit a 2 page maximum narrative that includes:
• Demographic information about the community: population served, annual budget, annual circulation
• Before and after photographs
• Before and after floor plans
• Goals and objectives
• Project budget
• Explanation of need, planning involved, community benefits, public response, press coverage.
• Copies of marketing material that was utilized to inform the community of the project and to gain support
*Photographs, floor plans and marketing materials can be submitted as addendums.
L. Marion Moshier/Asa Wynkoop Award
L. Marion Moshier/Asa Wynkoop Award for Distinguished Librarianship honors a librarian who has given outstanding service to a community of population of 7,500 or less. It is given in odd years and a professional degree is not required.
The award winning librarian will receive a $1,000 cash award, a display plaque and an official press release from the Public Libraries Section of NYLA for the award winner’s library to distribute to local media outlets.
Eligibility Requirements:
• A librarian in New York State (Professional Degree is not required)
• Attendance at the 2017 NYLA Conference
• Current Public Libraries Section Board Directors are Ineligible
• Previous Winners are Ineligible
Nominations referencing the librarian’s full name and accomplishments may be received in the form of a 1-2 page letter. A diverse mix of recommendations from board members, friends groups, community leaders, colleagues and patrons are encouraged. Letters should include:
• Description of specific outreach tasks and projects implemented by the nominee.
• Description of why the outreach was necessary.
• Information about how the library and community were impacted by the nominee’s initiative.
• Additional information about the nominee that is relevant to the criteria of the award, and what traits make the nominee special to the library and community being served.