Is there someone in your community who has worked hard for libraries? Do you know a librarian who deserves recognition? How about a deserving Library Science student? Has your library staff done an extraordinary job promoting the library in your community? Is there an author, associated with Missouri, who is worthy of recognition? Do you know a trustee who has performed exemplary service? If you have answered yes, then please submit a nomination for the appropriate Missouri Library Association Award or scholarship application.

MLA awards and scholarships are described below. You may submit forms for any or all awards and scholarships. Print and complete the desired nomination form. Send your completed form and any required documentation by the stated deadline to Missouri Library Association headquarters:

Missouri Library Association
3212-A LeMone Industrial Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201

Questions should be directed to MLA President Sharon McCaslin by e-mail at SMcCaslin@Fontbonne.edu.

Unless otherwise noted, the nomination/application postmark deadline is July 1.

Previous Winners Table

The Francis "Bud" Barnes Outstanding Legislator Award is sponsored by the Legislative Committee and is given annually to a Missouri legislator in recognition of exceptional contributions to the welfare of Missouri's libraries. The award is named in honor of State Representative Francis (Bud) Barnes (District 96) whose long devotion to Missouri libraries and whose contributions to library-related legislation are gratefully acknowledged.

Select this nomination form for the Francis "Bud" Barnes Outstanding Legislator Award.

The Meritorious Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to libraries in Missouri. A recipient must be either an individual outside of the library profession or a retired librarian. Nominees must reside in Missouri and should have made either a contribution to libraries that gained recognition beyond the local level or have made an innovative contribution in the decisive factors in library development.

Select this nomination form for the Meritorious Achievement Award.

The Missouri Library of the Year Award is conferred upon any type of Missouri library, library system, or library network for distinguished achievement in service.

Select this nomination form and information sheet for the Missouri Library of the Year Award.

The MLA Literary Award recognizes a Missouri writer or an individual who has written an outstanding book on some aspect of Missouri life. The Award may be given for a body of work or for an outstanding book written during a specific year.

Select this nomination form for the MLA Literary Award.

The Outstanding Library Employee Award recognizes a library employee who has made a significant contribution to the improvement and advancement of library and information services.

Select this nomination form for the Outstanding Library Employee Award.

The Outstanding New Librarian Award recognizes a librarian who has made a significant contribution to the improvement and advancement of library and information services. Nominees must have one full year of library service in Missouri prior to their nomination and less than five years experience in the library profession. Nominees must possess an MLS degree and must have demonstrated creativity and inventiveness in their achievements.

Select this nomination form for the Outstanding New Librarian Award.

The Public Relations Achievement Award recognizes a Missouri library for outstanding public relations during the previous year. Libraries may submit pictures, newspaper articles, sample printed pieces, or their own written account of outstanding public relations activities for the period of June 1 of the preceding year to May 31 of the current year. A description of the purpose or goal of the project must be included.

Select this nomination form for the Public Relations Achievement Award.

The Ronald G. Bohley Award is presented by MLA and the Missouri Library Network Corporation (MLNC) to an individual or individuals whose actions have led libraries to work better together and who exemplifies the best efforts to reach out beyond his or her own institution to promote cooperative activities among libraries.

Select this nomination form for the Ronald G. Bohley Award.

The Virginia G. Young Outstanding Service Award recognizes an individual trustee for exemplary service to libraries in Missouri. MLA awarded Virginia G. Young the inaugural Outstanding Service Award in 1994 and named it in her honor.

Select this nomination form for the Virginia G. Young Outstanding Service Award.

The Patt Behler Call-to-Conference Award is sponsored by the Children's Services Roundtable (CSRT) and is offered to introduce working librarians to the activities and programs of MLA and CSRT and to encourage involvement and on-going participation in the professional activities of those organizations. The Award covers first-time MLA membership dues, conference registration fees, Thusnelda Schmidt luncheon expenses, and an autographed copy of the luncheon speaker's book.

Select this application form for the Patt Behler Call-to-Conference Award.

Nomination Deadline: August 1.

The Ronald G. Bohley Scholarship is sponsored by the Professionalism, Education, Employment, and Recruitment Special Interest Group (PEER SIG) and is awarded annually to an individual enrolled in or recently accepted into an ALA-accredited program in pursuit of a Master's degree in Library/Information Science.

Select this application form for the Ronald G. Bohley Scholarship.

Nomination Deadline: June 1.