Celebrating Collaboration in Our Ohio Libraries

Several distinguished people have made statements about collaboration and success. 

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." — Henry Ford

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington

“It takes two flints to make a fire.” — Louisa May Alcott

The OELMA Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award not only celebrates the life and contributions of Ross J. Todd to the library profession, but also the collaboration and partnerships between school library media specialists and their school communities through joint programs, projects, or events that support student learning and library resources. As stated in Ohio’s Library Guidelines for Librarians (2021), “Challenging, preparing and empowering learners is a community-wide effort. Partnerships represent the community supports needed to increase the likelihood of learner success.”

Ross J. Todd was a library and information science professor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. During his life, he was recognized as an award-winning expert on the transformative role of school libraries.  Dr. Todd co-authored “Student Learning Through Ohio School Libraries, Part 1 and Part 2” with SC & I Distinguished Professor Emerita Carol Kuhlthau. In fact, Dr. Todd and Professor Kuhlthau received a “Certificate of Appreciation for Notable Service and Significant Service to Ohio’s School Libraries” in 2003 and 2004 from OELMA. 

OELMA Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award recipients exemplify building and cultivating instructional and community partnerships to increase learner success. Their collaborative programs, projects, or events reflect best practices that can serve as a model for others in collaborative planning. Last year’s recipient Kristen Roope was recognized for the work she does with her colleagues for Genius Hour at their elementary school. Kristen stated, “The award brought attention to our dynamic library and the changing roles of the school library and librarian.” She continued to say that “not only was it a way to advocate and highlight the work we do, but it also allowed me to foster new or deeper connections with my school community.” Lifting our voices together can make wonderful things happen for our students, staff, and communities.

Consider nominating yourself or a colleague for the Ross. J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award or any of the other awards and scholarships by 11:59 pm, April 1, 2024. If you have questions, please reach out to the Awards Committee. Additional information about this award and others can be found on the OELMA professional recognition tab on the website.