MiALA Michigan Academic Librarian of the Year Award
The MiALA Awards Committee is calling for nominations for the “Academic Librarian of the Year Award.”
This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a MiALA member and their contributions to their institution and academic libraries.
The winner will be announced at the 2025 Annual Conference and will be formally recognized at the Michigan Library Awards ceremony in October (location and date TBA).
Award:
$250 cash award
Statuette
Complementary registration to the 2026 Annual Conference
Nominee minimum criteria:
Be an active member of MiALA for at least two years.
Be currently employed in a Michigan academic library.
Demonstrate a commitment to academic libraries and MiALA.
Nominee should be able to demonstrate they have, in the past year:
Provided innovative service to their institution and/or community, which has enhanced the value and visibility of the library; or
Promoted collaboration among libraries, librarians, and other key stakeholders; or
Demonstrated leadership in professional activities; or
Initiated leading edge ideas that can be replicated in other libraries; or
Mentored and/or empowered other colleagues or staff to achieve significant professional growth; or
Been a catalyst in special areas such as instruction, library innovation, outreach, and/or equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Nomination form should be completed in its entirety and must include:
Nominee's contact information (name, institution, phone, and email address)
Nominator's contact information (name phone, and email address)
Letter of nomination, which should include the following:
Reason for nominating individual for this specific award.
Events, projects, or circumstances that illustrate the reason for this nomination.
Current and previous professional position(s), educational qualifications, professional organization memberships and offices, community activities, awards or recognitions, and any other relevant information.
What makes this nominee stand out?
Nominee's involvement in MiALA.
Selection Process: Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of MiALA members. A MiALA Board member will head the committee as an ex-officio member.
Members of the selection committee are not eligible to receive the award during their time of service on the committee.
Click here for the nomination form. Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 25, 2025.
Previous Award Winners 2020: Sandra McCarthy, Washtenaw Community College
2021: Rachel Minkin, Michigan State University
2022: Jeremy Barney, Hope College
2024: Jen Fiero, Jackson College (Honorable Mention: Sara Memmott, Eastern Michigan University)