This award was established in the early 1980s, as a result of the Oak Lawn Public Library's ñShow Meî controversy. The officers and managers of Quality Books, Inc. are lifelong residents of Illinois and have strong personal commitments to libraries. Freedom to choose what materials shall be available in libraries is a core concern and this honorarium recognizes the sharing of that responsibility by others.

Rationale
An individual or group is recognized for outstanding contributions to the defense of intellectual freedom or the advancement of these principles as espoused and promulgated by both the Illinois Library Association and the American Library Association.

Eligibility
Nominations are solicited throughout the state of Illinois from school, academic, special, and public libraries. Library systems are also solicited, as well as ILA and its forums and committees. Any other Illinois group or individual may also submit nominations.

Selection Process
The Intellectual Freedom Committee chooses the recipient annually. The Intellectual Freedom Committee members must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable. In the event that no deserving nominations are received, the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee members may not then nominate a recipient. Instead, the award will not be given.

Name and reason for the choice will be presented to the ILA Board and Quality Books, Inc. The chosen recipient will be informed in advance and given the right of refusal because recognition from publicized intellectual freedom activities sometimes kindles controversy.

Criteria
Submit a written statement of how the nominee meets the criteria. If nominated due to a specific incident, give the date and attach any supporting documentation, such as newspaper clippings, etc.

The award may be for a single event of the current year or for an ongoing project, educational workshop, or promotion. It also may be related to legislative support on the local, state, or national level. Special consideration will be given to events or contributions relating directly to the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The committee is also interested in recognizing activities related to the broader topics of Freedom of Information. However, all nominations should be made with the understanding that contributions of the nominated individual or group must impact directly on Illinois and its citizens to be considered.

Award Winners
The recipient will be presented with a citation and a $500 financial award.

Sponsor Contact
Robert Ekblom
Quality Books Inc.
1003 W. Pines Rd.
Oregon, IL 61061
phone: (815) 732-4450
fax: (815) 732-4499
e-mail: robert.ekblom@quality-books.com

Quality presents check and pays for certificate; ILA orders certificate.