Greetings Michigan Library Community, The deadline for award submissions for the Rural Libraries Conference 2016 has been extended to February 5, 2016. The nomination process is not difficult and you absolutely still have time to nominate your favorite deserving library or library staff member. Self-nominations are also accepted! There are so many truly wonderful people working toward the greater good that is rural Michigan library service. Don't let this opportunity to recognize them pass you by! To qualify for the award the library must serve a population of 25,000 or less. Branch locations of larger libraries do not qualify for nomination. 1. First, fill out the nomination form available here<http://michigan.gov/documents/libraryofmichigan/Call_for_Nominations_2016_RLC_500088_7.docx>. 2. In a letter of nomination (maximum of two pages), tell the award committee: o Reason for recommending this nominee o The individual's work history or library's accomplishments as they relate to the award category o Nominee's outstanding activities, abilities, programs and/or achievements 3. Collect letters of support from library users, municipal government, businesses and organizations (three minimum to five maximum) and other documentation as appropriate. There will be four awards: Outstanding Small/Rural Librarian Award: Recognizes a librarian who is an outstanding leader in the profession. The Librarian of the Conference has made a significant contribution to his/her library and has invested him/herself in efforts to bring about positive change in the small/rural library community. This award goes to an individual currently employed in a Michigan library. Trustee/Friend Award: Given to a Trustee or Friend of a small or rural library for distinguished service to rural library development on the local, state, regional or national level. Patron Services Award: Recognizes a librarian from a small or rural library who has made significant contributions to and a positive impact on library service to patrons through outstanding program(s) or services. The June B. Mendel Award for Excellence in Rural Library Service: This award goes to a library and is now named for the legacy of our dearly departed and very much missed colleague June Mendel. The award comes with a $1000 gift from the June B. and Roger Mendel Fund. The Mendels chose to create this award to recognize the great work done by our librarians, staff and boards of rural libraries. You can send your nomination packet through the mail or email it, whichever is more convenient for you. Please see nomination form for guidelines. Questions? Now is the time to ask! I can be found at norriss2@michigan.gov<http://norriss2@michigan.gov> or 517-373-4457. Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. P.O. Box 30007 Lansing, MI 48909-7507 Ph: 517-373-4457 Fax: 517-373-5700 Check out the curated content on the LM homepage including state and national CE offerings, LM events, stats reports, headlines from around the library world and intriguing snapshots of our varied collections at http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan http://mel.org<http://mel.org/> http://michlibrary.org<http://michlibrary.org/> Customer Service is a priority at the Michigan Department of Education - helping Michigan schools, families, and communities improve the achievement and well-being of ALL our children. [http://inside.michigan.gov/mde/docs/Docs%20and%20Templates/MDE%20-%20Color%2...]
