Purpose:
The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions related to the advancement of library instruction in Texas. This honor is created and awarded by the Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) of the Texas Library Association (TLA).

Frequency:
Nominations will be accepted and reviewed annually but, depending on the quality of applications, an award may not necessarily be made each year.

Eligibility:
Individuals nominated need not be Texas librarians, but must have significantly influenced library instruction in the state. Nominees may be employed in any type of library or other organization that relates to libraries and education. Nominations must be made for individuals, not groups.

Nomination Process:
Self-nominations are encouraged and will receive equal consideration to external nominations. Nominations must include three copies of the following materials:

A. Cover letter with the name, title, institution, email, phone and address of the nominated individual, as well as the same information for the nominator if a different person

B. 750-1,000 word essay explaining the background and impact of the nominee

C. Two or more letters of recommendation

Submissions:

A. Calls for nominations will be posted through the LIRT newsletter and web site; TLA publications and web site; newsletters of other divisions, roundtables, interest groups and districts; listservs; and other means the committee considers appropriate.

B. All nominations should be mailed to the Awards Committee Chair postmarked by Friday, February 29, 2008.

C. Materials submitted with the nomination package will not be returned to the nominators.

Selection:
Criteria for selection will be weighted on the application and will include, but not be limited to, factors such as: impact of the nominated person on multiple libraries and educational initiatives; extent of the individual's contributions in the area; and innovation of ideas or projects developed.

Notification:

A. The honoree will be notified at least six weeks prior to the TLA Annual Conference.

B. The honoree will be announced and awarded a plaque at the LIRT program at the TLA Annual Conference.

C. Announcements will also be submitted to TLA publications. Press releases will also be available for the local or internal documents of the honoree's institution, LIRT newsletter, and LIRT web site.