Via press release
The American Library Association (ALA) is accepting nominations for the inaugural Newlen-Symons Award for Excellence in Serving the GLBT Community.
The award, to be given for the first time this year, will honor recent library initiatives that demonstrate excellence in library services to or for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community.
The award consists of a citation and $1,000 cash award. The award will be announced during the ALA 2016 Midwinter Meeting and will be presented at the Stonewall Books Awards Program on Monday June 27 during the ALA’s 2016 Annual Conference in Orlando.
The award honors a library, librarian, library staff member, library board and/or library friends groups who over a period of time have demonstrated change in the way libraries serve the GLBT community. Innovation, collaboration, risk taking and being a change-agent as an individual or institution will all be taken into account as part of the criteria for the award. The award will go to a person, library or group known for developing and implementing programs that are responsive to the needs of GLBT community. The award will be given to a person or group who has invested time and talent to make positive changes to GLBT service in their institution or community.
“The Newlen-Symons Award celebrates those who create meaningful library experiences for the GLBT community,” said ALA President Sari Feldman. “Every day, innovative programs and outreach to GLBT people show how libraries can challenge assumptions and truly transform communities.”
To view the award criteria and submit a nomination, please visit the GLBTRT Awards Online Application at www.ala.org/newlensymons. Applications are due Dec. 15, 2015.
The award is funded by and named after Robert R. Newlen, chief of staff, Library of Congress and John and Ann Symons. Ann Symons is past-president and former treasurer of the ALA and a past chair of ALA’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table.
