NHLA Emerging Leaders Award

The NHLA Emerging Leaders Award is managed by the Awards Committee.

 

Awards Committee Description

 

Chaired by the Immediate Past-President, the Awards Committee invites nominations for the NHLA Emerging Leaders Award and any other association awards annually, The Committee determines and communicates award criteria and nomination deadlines to the New Hampshire library community.

The committee recommends the award recipients, if any, from the nominations received. Approval from the NHLA Executive Board should happen on or before the October Executive Board meeting. 

The Committee informs all of the nominators of the Committee's decision and allows time for the recipients to invite colleagues, friends and family to the presentation at the NHLA Fall Business Meeting. The Committee is also responsible for the award presentation.

NHLA Emerging Leaders Award

Description and Purpose

This award was established in 2024, in response to NHLA's annual strategic plan, specifically the goals of professional development and organizational stability and growth. 

The Award is bestowed on library staff members who demonstrate growing interest and participation in library leadership. The intent is to promote active involvement in NHLA and to continue supporting their professinoal development and networking opportunities.

While primarily intended to recognize library staff members with fewer than five years of library experience, the committee welcomes applicants/nominations of all emerging library leaders.

Upon receipt of the award, the recipients will be invited to an in-person professional development day organized by the award committee. The session will include spark talks about various aspects of library work, information about NHLA sections and committees, and a special presenation about library leadership. 

Two subsequent meetings will be held on related topics (selected by the recipients and Awards Committee) during the 12 months following the award. The recipient(s) shall receive free NHLA membership for the following year. If the recipient(s) is already a member they will receive a free membership renewal.

Selection Criteria

Library staff members currently employed in a New Hampshire library (of any type), may be considered for this award. Other criteria include:

  • Nominee may be a librarian or library support staff members
  • Description of nominee's existing leadership qualities
  • Description of nominee's enthusiasm for the library profession
  • Individuals may only receive the award once
  • Self nominations will be accepted

The award is presented at the NHLA annual business meeting. The award is granted on the vote of the Executive Committee based upon candidates recommended by the Awards Committee. Recommendations to the Executive Board will be made by unanimous vote of the Awards Committee.

Nomination Process

Please complete the online nomination form for the candidate by the application deadline. In the letter of nomination include a statement explaining why this individual or organization qualifies for this award. Please list specific activities and accomplishments.

The completed nomination form must be submitted by Friday, October 4, 2024.

For more information about the award, feel free to contact NHLA Past President Mindy Atwood at pastpresident@nhlibrarians.org

Number and Frequency of Award

Up to 5 awards shall be presented annually. No award shall be given if nominees do not meet the award criteria.