Award Winners

MPLA presents a variety of awards annually in conjunction with the annual conference and member state association partner. The MPLA awards are as follows:

Distinguished Service

To be given to an MPLA member who has made notable contributions to the library profession or has furthered significant development of libraries in the Mountain Plains region, or has performed exemplary service for an extended period of time. In the case of retired individuals, the nominee may be a past member of MPLA.

Literary Contribution

To be given to an author whose published writings have successfully furthered an understanding and appreciation of the Mountain Plains region. The author need not reside in the region, and the selection may be based on either a single work or a body of works. Published works will be evaluated on the basis of literary worth, readability, and evidence of responsible research.

Beginning Professional

To recognize an MPLA member, who as a librarian/media specialist within the first five years of their library career, has made a positive impact on the quality and role of library service. Factors such as innovative programming and planning, use of resources, and special projects will be considered.

Dan Chaney Unsung Hero

To be given to any library individual(s) or group(s) in the MPLA region who have worked on a special project that has some significance to a community but which has not been eligible for a library award or which has for other reasons specified by the nominator not been recognized, to the degree that it merits, by any library organization.

Carl Gaumer Library Champion

To be given to the individual, organization or company whose positive support of the Mountain Plains Library Association is demonstrated by repeated conscientious endeavors towards libraries, library staff, trustees and professional activities.

Innovator

To recognize an up-and-coming individual(s) or group(s) in the MPLA region for a creative, inventive, trail-blazing project that has significance to the library community.

For historical record purposes, there are discontinued MPLA awards as follows:

Legislative Leadership

Was to be given to an individual or group (state legislature, city council, board of education, etc.) in recognition of exemplary legislative leadership or support for growth and development of a library or libraries in the MPLA area within the last two years.

News Media Support

Was given to recognize the news media organization in the MPLA region making the strongest effort, either in a single presentation, or in on-going coverage, within the last two years, to promote libraries and library services to the community. Criteria will include amount and effectiveness of coverage and manifestation of a positive commitment to generate public interest in a library or libraries.

Youth Services

Was to be given to a library that exemplifies excellence in library services to youth. This excellence can be demonstrated through one or more of the following: reference and information services, access to technology, reading promotion, youth participation, collaborative efforts, education support, staff and volunteer development, inter-generational activities, programs and services that address special needs patrons; programs and services that emphasize the library's role in a state, region or local municipality.

Intellectual Freedom

Was given to an individual or group making significant contributions to the enhancement of First Amendment rights. The recipient should have demonstrated a clear understanding of the principles, nature, responsibilities, and implications of the First Amendment. The recipient should have applied that understanding of the principles in one or more of the following ways: In defense of the First Amendment principles in the face of a serious challenge to those principles though not necessarily limited to libraries. In support of the First Amendment principles through an active role in: 1. Formulating programs which develop people's ability to deal with a full range of opinion/controversy and with the issues associated with such controversy, or 2. Developing, or materially assisting in the development of a legal base for the continued enjoyment of freedom of mind, its strengthening, and its defense, or 3. Expanding the philosophical foundations of the principles or contributing to a better understanding of them.