Allie Beth Martin Award

Presented by the the Public Library Association and Baker and Taylor.

Print this award application - PDF document

Purpose and Criteria

THE ALLIE BETH MARTIN AWARD provides recognition and a $3,000 honorarium to a librarian who, in a public library setting, has demonstrated: (1) extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials; and (2) distinguished ability to share that knowledge. The award was established by the Public Library Association Board of Directors in 1978. After its 1993 fall meeting, the PLA Executive Committee notified PLA Award Chairs that the word “librarian” is defined as a professional possessing a Master of Library Science degree. Therefore, persons not having earned an MLS are ineligible to receive the Allie Beth Martin Award.

Only the written materials submitted will be considered. They should represent a full portrait of your candidate’s accomplishments. Specific examples of work are more useful than general statements such as “The candidate loves books.” Supporting documentation is often helpful.

Eligibility

Members of the 2001–2002 Allie Beth Martin Award Jury are ineligible to receive the 2002 Allie Beth Martin Award.

Past Recipients

2001	Nancy Pearl	1989	Joyce Sariks
2000	Barbara Genco	1988	Daniel Robles
1999	Grove Kroger	1987	Susan B. Madden
1998	Pauline Druschel	1986	Suzanne Sutton
1997	Mary Kierans	1985	Junivee Black
1996	William Balcom	1984	Cecil P. Beach
1995	James D. Pate	1983	Hardy R. Franklin
1994	Carol G. Walters	1982	Murray L. Bob
1993	Kay K. Martin	1981	Birdie Law
1992	Helen Mae Mullen	1980	Mary Louise Rheay
1991	Sandra M. Neerman	1979	Harriet E. Bard
1990	Nyla Ching Fujii

How to Nominate an Outstanding Colleague

Sit back for five minutes and think of colleagues in public librarianship who have exceptional range and depth of knowledge about one or more kinds of library materials—fiction, nonfiction or reference books for adults or children, video, or serials.

Now think of a subset of this first group who have widely and enthusiastically shared their knowledge through book talks, presentations to community or professional groups, written reviews, etc.

Complete one copy of this nomination form for each person on your new short list (use additional pages if necessary). Please keep to the format. The Allie Beth Martin Award Jury needs to be able to evaluate the nominees in an orderly, uniform manner.

Send 1 original and 10 copies of the nomination form by December 1, 2002 to:
Allie Beth Martin Award
Public Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(Call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, if you need further information.)

PLA will forward the nomination to the current chair of the Allie Beth Martin Award Jury. PLA reserves the right to extend the application deadline.