Alexander J. Skrzypek (1905-1976) was the first librarian for the blind at the Chicago Public Library. Mr. SkrzypekÕs career in libraries began in 1919, as a part-time page at the Central Library. In 1952, he was named head librarian for the blind. Mr. Skrzypek was instrumental in publicizing the passage of Public Law 89-22 in 1966 that allowed the Library of Congress to extend its services for the blind to include the physically handicapped and the visually impaired.

Earning numerous awards and citations for his dedication and long service to the blind, Mr. Skrzypek maintained memberships in professional organizations servicing the blind and visually handicapped. Mr. Skrzypek, a recognized authority on the education of the blind and physically handicapped, was regularly consulted by the Library of Congress as well as other national and local organizations. He served the Chicago Public Library for 51 years and the blind for more than 47 years. One of the first librarians for the blind in the United States, Mr. Skrzypek had served longer in that position than anyone in the United States at the time of his retirement.

The Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service funds the award.

Rationale and Eligibility
The award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library services for the blind or physically disabled in Illinois.

Selection Process
Members of the ILA Awards Committee select the recipient. Nominations are solicited throughout the state of Illinois from all libraries, ILA members, and any Illinois resident. 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 may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
Members of the ILA Awards Committee select the recipient. Nominations are solicited throughout the state of Illinois from all libraries, ILA members, and any Illinois resident. 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 may not then nominate a recipient. Criteria The nominee's contribution(s) to advancing library services for the blind and physically disabled may take the form of:

• an imaginative innovation in local or statewide services;
• a recognized contribution to the Illinois program of service for the disabled;
• an innovative public awareness campaign, which stimulated growth in local or statewide library services;
• a significant publication or writing in the field;
• the efforts of boards and libraries to follow/comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA); or
• any activity of recognized importance in the field. The written nomination statement should support the criteria. Attach any supporting documentation.

Award Winners
The recipient will be presented a plaque. The recipient's name will also be added to the permanent plaque on display at the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service.

Sponsor Contact
Sharon D. Ruda
Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille
Service
401 E. Washington
Springfield, IL 62701
phone: (217) 782-9435
fax: (217) 558-4723
e-mail: sruda@ilsos.net

The Illinois State Library orders certificate and adds names to a plaque at the library; ILA pays for these additions.