This award was established in 1989 to recognize Robert R. McClarren for:

• inspiring and guiding the development of a comprehensive legislative program on behalf of Illinois libraries and the Illinois Library Association;
• serving with singular distinction on the ILA Library Legislative Development Committee;
• being instrumental in establishing a grassroots program of legislator education and awareness;
• drafting language for library legislation, which benefits Illinois libraries;
• being an articulate spokesperson on behalf of Illinois libraries with the secretary of state, the General Assembly members, and Congressional delegation members;
• being instrumental in drawing statewide support for library legislative initiatives from a broad base of constituencies; and
• embodying by example the highest standard for citizen initiative in the shaping of the laws governing Illinois library development.

Rationale
The award is given to a worthy recipient from the Illinois library community„librarian, trustee, legislator, or library„who has contributed significantly to legislative development in the state of Illinois.

Eligibility
An individual, group, or institution may be nominated.

Selection Process
The recipient is selected by the Public Policy Committee from nominations submitted to the ILA office. Only one nomination is necessary for the award to be made; however, the Public Policy Committee is responsible for determining whether or not the nominee meets the selection criteria for the award. The Public Policy Committee members must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable; in the event that no deserving nominations are received, the Public Policy Committee may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
The award recipient shall demonstrate outstanding accomplishment in at least one of the pioneering and exemplary achievements (cited above) of Robert R. McClarren's distinguished career.

Award Winners
The recipient will receive a citation. The recipient's name will be added to the permanent plaque on display at the State Library building.

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

ILA presents check and orders certificate.