PURPOSE

The Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes Ohio school library media specialists and/or other Ohio educators who demonstrate support for the American Library Association’s principles of intellectual freedom. Award recipients exhibit a strong commitment to First Amendment values through the active promotion of -- and defense of -- the freedom to read and ALA's principles of intellectual freedom.

THE AWARD

The Intellectual Freedom Award honoree receives a commemorative plaque. The Award recipient will be recognized during OELMA’s Awards Event at the Annual Conference. The Award recipient’s name will be posted on the Scholarship & Awards section of OELMA’s Web page and announced via OELMA’s E-mail list.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

OELMA’s Scholarship & Awards Committee is charged with reviewing applications for all Association awards. The Scholarship and Awards Committee is comprised of a representative from each OELMA Region, the Immediate Past President, and the Scholarship and Awards Chair, who is appointed by the President. Although this Committee makes award recommendations, OELMA’s Board of Directors makes the final decision at the May Board meeting.  

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Intellectual Freedom Award recipient will be selected from applicants and nominees who meet the following criteria:

• OELMA membership is preferred, but not required;
• Employed as an Ohio school library media specialist or in another Ohio educational role; and
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to First Amendment values through the active promotion of -- and defense of -- the freedom to read and ALA's principles of intellectual freedom.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application packets should include the following materials:

• Completed OELMA Scholarship & Awards Program Application Form;
• Nomination letter, which explains how the nominee meets award selection criteria;
• Career-related details (e.g. resume), including the following: current and previous professional positions; education; professional organizations and offices held; outstanding achievements; honors and awards; and
• At least one – and no more than three – letters of support providing specific evidence of the nominee’s active promotion of -- and defense of -- the American Library Association's principles of intellectual freedom.

All application materials must be submitted to the OELMA Office in a single packet via one of these methods:

• Hand-deliver the Awards submission materials to the OELMA Office by 5 p.m. April 15;
• Mail the Awards submission materials, which must be postmarked by 5 p.m. April 15; or
• Online at www.oelma.org by 5 p.m. April 15 (You will be able to upload supporting submission material to the online form)

Late materials will not be accepted.

Send completed application materials to: OELMA Office, c/o Scholarships & Awards Committee, 17 South High Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215   E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.