1. Purpose of the Award

This award is intended to recognize excellence in librarianship, specifically as it furthers the teaching and research missions of the University on the Berkeley campus. The award is administered and funded by LAUC-B, and as such is distinct from regular promotion and advancement opportunities.

2. Criteria for Excellence in Librarianship

A successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Specific achievements or sustained excellence in fulfilling the missions of the UC Berkeley libraries: to acquire, organize, interpret, and provide access to information and knowledge
• A consistent embodiment of the highest standards of librarianship, which enhance the activities and quality of the campus' intellectual community

These criteria may be met in a variety of ways, including activity which involves exceptional:

• Creativity
• Innovation
• Intellectual or moral courage
• Leadership
• Scholarship

3. Eligibility

All members of the Berkeley Division of the Librarians Association of the University of California (except sitting members of the Distinguished Librarian Award Committee) are eligible to be nominated.

4. Nominations

Nominations are requested by the Distinguished Librarian Award Committee which is appointed by the LAUC-B Executive Committee. Nominations may be submitted by LAUC-B members (except by sitting members of the Distinguished Librarian Award Committee), faculty, staff and students. Nominations shall be kept confidential. All nominations should be accompanied by supporting documentation.

5. Nomination Documentation

Although the exact format of the documentation will vary, sources and evidence should be organized. Concise presentations focusing on the nominee’s contributions to the Berkeley campus are encouraged. The following materials should be supplied by the nominator:

• Cover letter outlining the nature of the outstanding contribution(s)
• Supporting letters from persons directly affected by the nominee's work.

Other materials are optional and might include a CV and copies of the nominee's work pertinent to achievements upon which the nomination is based. If additional information is needed, a member of the Award Committee will contact the nominator.

6. Number and Frequency of Awards

One or more awards may be granted every cycle; a cycle is two years. There is no requirement to grant an award in each cycle.

7. Notification of Award

The award recipient is notified prior to the official announcement of the award.

8. Award Ceremony

The selected Distinguished Librarian/s is publicly honored at the LAUC-B Fall Assembly and/or at other appropriate fora. In addition, the award recipient receives a cash award and commemorative certificate.

Revised April 2003

Membership & Charge | Committee Procedures | Award Guidelines
Award Recipients | Current Committee