This award was established in 1999, sponsored by the Reaching Forward Conference of Library Assistants, in honor of ILA Executive Director Robert P. Doyle who has been a strong advocate for library assistants. He has also provided essential support for the Reaching Forward Conference of Library Assistants.

Rationale
The purpose of this award is to encourage support staff attendance at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference.

Eligibility
Open to support staff working in all types of libraries.

Selection Process
A panel of judges will be selected from the Reaching Forward Committee and will be responsible for choosing the recipient. The panel must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable; in the event that no deserving nominations are received, panel members may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
Submit a statement, one page or less, completing the phrase "Why I would like to attend the ILA Annual Conference and how it would affect my personal and professional growth."

Award Winners
The recipient will receive full registration and expenses to attend the ILA Annual Conference, up to $800. ILA works on reimbursement for conference attendance.

Reaching Forward presents its own award; ILA works on reimbursement for conference attendance.

Sponsor Contact
Illinois Library Association
Reaching Forward: Forum for Library Support Staff
33. W. Grand Ave., Suite 301
Chicago, IL 60610-4306
phone: (312) 644-1896
fax: (312) 644-1899
e-mail: ila@ila.org