In 1985, the Illinois Academic Librarian of the Year Award was established by IACRL. The recipient must have distinguished himself/ herself in notable service to the Forum and to the Illinois Library Association, as well as exhibited leadership and exemplary library service in an academic setting.

Rationale
This award recognizes an Illinois librarian who is making an outstanding statewide contribution to academic or research librarianship and to library development.

Eligibility
Any ILA member.

Selection Process
An IACRL Forum awards subcommittee receives and evaluates nominations from the membership. Those recommending nominees for this award must submit: a letter of nomination addressing how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria and, if possible, obtain and submit vita/resume of the nominee to assist the awards committee in the screening process. The IACRL Forum awards subcommittee members must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable; in the event that no deserving nominations are received, the IACRL Forum awards subcommittee members may not then nominate a recipient. In the event no nominations are received whatsoever, the IACRL Forum awards subcommittee members may then nominate one or more persons from which the subcommittee may then choose a recipient.

Criteria
To assure equitability of representation of awardees among the various types of academic libraries and constituencies represented in the ForumÍs membership, the awards committee will give consideration, on a revolving basis, to these factors in the selection process. Individuals nominated should have demonstrated achievements in such areas as:

• service to the organized profession through ILA, the IACRL Forum, and related organizations;
• significant and influential academic or research library service;
• contributions to academic or research library development through research or publications; or
• planning or implementing a library program of exemplary quality. Nominees do not have to meet all the above criteria.

Award Winners
The recipient will receive a citation and a financial award totaling $500 and have name and date added to the plaque at the Illinois State Library.

Sponsor Contact
Susan Singleton
Consortium of Academic and Research
Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)
616 E. Green St., Suite 213
Champaign, IL 61820-5752
phone: (217) 244-5167
fax: (217) 265-0454
e-mail: ssingle@uillinois.edu