General Info

Please note: MLA also distributes annual awards to a Maryland author through the Maryland Author Award and for children's books through the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award. Maryland Library Association Outstanding Member Award The purpose of the Maryland Library Association Outstanding Member Award is to recognize a MLA member who has effectively provided sustained service to MLA and significantly enhanced its mission and goals. Enhanced the mission and goals of MLA through an elected or appointed position in MLA, including a position on the Executive Board, Advisory Council, committee or panel Demonstrated leadership in supporting library development, funding, services, customers and/or staff on the local, state and/or national level Demonstrated personal characteristics that make the recipient an inspirational role model for the diverse MLA membership The purpose of the Maryland Library Association Emerging Leader Award is to recognize a MLA member working in a library who has demonstrated strong leadership potential and to encourage the recipient to assume an increasingly responsible role in librarianship. Any MLA member with less than ten years experience working in a library and who is currently employed in a library. No person may receive the Award more than once. Played an increasing leadership role in libraries and library associations, including MLA Demonstrated a commitment to the future of library service in his/her work or professional activities The purpose of the Maryland Library Association Outstanding Paraprofessional Award is to recognize a library paraprofessional or support staff member who has made a significant contribution to libraries in Maryland. Any MLA member who does not possess an MLS degree is eligible for the Award. No person may receive the Award more than once. Promoted professional growth for, and solidarity among, library paraprofessional or support staff on the local, state or national level Demonstrated active support for library development, funding, services, customers or staff on the local, state or national level Any Maryland resident who is not a library employee is eligible for the Award. No person may receive the Award more than once. Recipients might include: The recipient of the Award will have provided successful and sustained advocacy or lobbying on behalf of library development, funding, services, customers or staff on the state or national level. Maryland Library Association Outstanding Volunteer Award The purpose of the Maryland Library Association Outstanding Volunteer Award is to honor any library volunteer in Maryland who exemplifies the positive impact that volunteers can make in libraries through their outstanding service. Any library volunteer in Maryland is eligible for the Award. No person may receive the Award more than once. Overcame an unusual situation in order to volunteer or volunteered a significant number of hours Maryland Library Association Honorary Membership recognizes a lifetime of significant contributions to libraries and librarianship.