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. Some previous recipients: William Peden, Jack Conroy, Loren Reid, Lanford Wilson, Mona Van Duyn, Bob Priddy, Sheridan A. Logan.

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 fewer than five years experience in the library profession. Nominees must possess an MLS degree, and have demonstrated creativity and inventiveness in their achievements. Some previous recipients: Alan Englebert, Elinor Barrett.

 The recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee is to create a new award recognizing the Outstanding Library Employee.  Possible wording for the new award as follows:

 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.  Nominees must have one full year of library service in Missouri prior to their nomination and at least five years experience working in a library.  Nominees shall not be holders of the MLS degree, but must have demonstrated creativity and inventiveness in their achievements.   

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. Some previous recipients: Cape Girardeau Public Library, Daniel Boone Regional Library, St. Charles City-County Library, Mid-Continent Public Library.

The Virginia G. Young Outstanding Service Award recognizes an individual trustee for exemplary service to libraries in Missouri. MLA and the MLA Trustees and Friends Council awarded Virginia G. Young the inaugural Outstanding Service Award in 1994 and named it in her honor. Recent Recipients: Dr. K. Thomas Papreck, Monroe Smith.

CALL-TO-CONFERENCE AWARD

An award of financial assistance to attend the Missouri Library Association Annual Conference and the Children's Services Round Table (CSRT) Program, given to introduce working librarians to the activities and programs of MLA and CSRT and to encourage their involvement and on-going participation in the professional activities of those organizations.

BETA PHI MU
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LIBRARIANSHIP

Each year the Psi Chapter of BETA PHI MU offers the BETA PHI MU AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LIBRARIANSHIP. 

The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the library community in Missouri.

OUTSTANDING LEGISLATOR AWARD 

 The Missouri Library Association "Francis (Bud) Barnes Outstanding Legislator Award" is given annually to a Missouri legislator to recognize exceptional contributions to the welfare of Missouri's libraries.

THE RONALD G. BOHLEY SCHOLARSHIP 

The Ronald G. Bohley Scholarship Fund was created in 1992 to honor Ronald G. Bohley, a librarian who was well-respected by his colleagues and friends for his lifelong pursuit of intralibrary cooperation and exemplary professional standards.

RONALD G. BOHLEY AWARD

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