Rationale
This award recognizes a librarian's distinguished service and leadership in Illinois libraries. Generally, the librarian so honored will have made an impact locally, statewide, and nationally. However, if an individual's service is unusually outstanding on one level, then the nomination can rest on that area alone. Librarians so honored will have demonstrated a commitment to libraries, and especially Illinois libraries, which can serve as a model for others in the profession.

Eligibility
The eligible librarian is any professional staff member of an Illinois library and member of the association.

Selection Process
The recipient(s) is selected by the ILA Awards Committee from nominations submitted to the ILA office before the deadline when the nominations are closed. One or more awards may be presented. Only one nomination is necessary for the award to be made; however, the ILA Awards Committee is responsible for determining whether or not the nominee meets the criteria of the award. The ILA Awards 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 Awards Committee members may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
The award recipient shall meet at least two of the following criteria:

• active membership in ILA, as evidenced by attendance at conference and workshops, participation on ILA committees or forums, or other support of the association;
• leadership role in ILA;
• positive contributions to the library field, such as research, publications, innovative program development, etc.; and
• outstanding work on a particular aspect of library service in the home library of the nominee, e.g., grant award, successful referendum for tax or bonds for library construction, outstanding public relations program, etc.

An official nomination shall consist of a letter of nomination justifying the nomination in light of the criteria above. Letters of support will not be considered. Instead, the nominator is asked to list references with which the committee may consult, if additional information about the nominee is required.

Award Winners
The recipient will receive a specially designated memento ($350 limit).

Sponsor Contact
Joel P. Berger
C. Berger Group, Inc.
327 E. Gundersen Dr.
Carol Stream, IL 60188
phone: (630) 653-1115
fax: (630) 653-1691
e-mail: jberger@cberger.com

ILA orders and pays for certificate; C. Berger pays for designated memento.