Colorado Association of Libraries Awards

To recognize the efforts of a person in the service of libraries in Colorado. Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: evidence of improvement of library services; length of time spent in library services; demonstrated significant and lasting contribution; positive impact of the nominee’s career on other library employees and/or library users; and proven leadership beyond a job title; any other relevant data. This award considers service undertaken for the duration of an individual’s career, and may be given to someone currently employed or retired.

To recognize an individual, a group, an organization (in or outside of the library world), or a project, program, or policy that has contributed to advancing or advocating for equity, diversity, or inclusion in Colorado library services. Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: evidence of impact in creating opportunities for everyone (patrons, staff, volunteers, etc.) to participate in a welcoming atmosphere in library services; demonstrates the advantages of fostering opportunities that promote any or all these ideas to libraries and their services/patrons/community; any other relevant data.

To recognize an individual, organization, or a business with a library partnership who has created or recreated an innovative space inside or outside a library building or elsewhere that furthers library services. This could be a renovation, restoration, pop-up library, new building, an addition, refurbishment, or simply a reinvention. This space can be for patrons, staff, or community. Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: innovation of the space; evidence that the space supports library services, i.e. enhancing patron experience or staff workflow; evidence of sound fiscal management including sustainability factors; and a clear demonstration that an identified issue is being resolved by this action; any other relevant data. 

To recognize excellence in adult or family literacy programming by a Colorado library, or a library in collaboration with another agency. Priority is given to a program that serves the economically disadvantaged in a setting where families work on literacy needs. This award is through the Maio family in honor of the late Jean Maio who was a strong advocate for literacy.

To encourage collaboration and community partnerships this award recognizes achievements in planning and implementing collaborative library programs or services between Colorado libraries, or between a Colorado library and a business(es), organization, association, group or individual. Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: description of the collaborative efforts; evidence of sound fiscal management; innovation of the collaboration/partnership; measured impact of the collaboration/partnership on library services; any other relevant data.

To recognize support services staff who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service in a Colorado library, information, or school media field. This award honors Lucy Schweers, who recognized the importance of all people who work in libraries. Requirements for nominations are that the nominated either is or was a Colorado support services staff person (formerly known as a paralibrarian) for at least six months of the year before the call for award nominations and has also never received this award before. Nominations for this award will be evaluated based on the following criteria: directly or indirectly serves patrons and communities in a way that goes beyond basic requirements of their job; makes, enables or manages positive changes which benefit Colorado libraries and other support staff; exhibits optimism; and consistently leads and inspires other support staff; any other relevant data.

To recognize exemplary service by a library trustee who has served their library and their community with distinction as a member of a library board. This award is open to any library board member, governing or advisory, who is currently serving or has served during the two years prior to nomination.

To recognize a creative and innovative project which benefits the mission and/or vision of its library. Any project within a library or over multiple libraries is eligible. This can include projects with a focus on technology, technical services, IT, public relations, marketing, and other programs. Nominations will be evaluated on the following criteria: description of the innovative nature of this project; overall breadth, vision, creativity and uniqueness of this project; evidence that the project significantly improved services for a targeted community or didn’t improve services with evaluation as to why (we learn from trying); any other relevant data. Building, remodeling, or renovation projects should be nominated under “Innovated Spaces” award. 

This award celebrates an individual, group, or organization who works behind the scene giving unselfishly to their libraries or library community. It is meant to honor those who don't receive recognition because their work generally goes unnoticed. This includes support staff, public relations, IT, library advocates, etc. Nominations for this award will be evaluated based on the following criteria: description of the individual's contribution to a library service or event; impact of efforts; uniqueness of the contributions; any other relevant data such as unusual circumstances or challenges; any other relevant data. 

To recognize a volunteer currently serving in a Colorado library who has provided exemplary service over several years. This can include library Friends or Foundation members as well as as typical volunteers. Nominations for this award will be evaluated based on the following criteria: length of service; demonstrated impact of the volunteer’s efforts on staff and library users; the uniqueness of contributions; any other relevant data.