Award Nominations

ALIA Award Nominations

There are a number of awards available that recognise high achievement by a current financial Associate or Library Technician members for their contribution to the libraries and information services sector.
How to Nominate

Please submit your nomination on or before the closing date.
I would like to nominate an ALIA member for the following Award . . .

Fellowship Award

NOMINEE - Must have at least eight years' standing as an Associate or Library Technician member and be a current financial member of ALIA.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
The Award

The Board of Directors may confer the distinction of Fellow on a member who, in their opinion, has:
- reached an exceptionally high standard of proficiency in library and information science;
- has made a distinguished contribution to the theory or practice of library and information science, and also
- directly contributed to the aims and object of the Australia Library and Information Association.
Supporting Documentation

Documentation should provide as much evidence as possible of the nominee's eligibility. This might include:
- an outstanding contribution to the objects and work of the Australian Library and Information Association
- a record of sustained high achievement and leadership in the field of library and information science
- academic and professional qualifications
- authorship of publications or bibliography on library and information science, and
- conduct of research and development in any field of library and information science.
Nominations

This award is peer-nominated.

Confidentiality is essential and nominees should not be aware that they are being nominated for the award.

There must be two nominators. All nominations require a date and signature.

Nominations for ALIA Fellowships are accepted all year round and more than one fellowship can be offered over a 12 month period.
Decision, announcement and presentation

The ALIA Board receives nominations and makes the decision on who receives the award. The recipient is informed of the conferment of the award by email but are not told who nominated them. Nominators are also advised of the success of the nomination before it is announced and awarded at the ALIA National Conference or other prestigious ALIA event.

HCL Anderson Award

NOMINEE - Must be an ALIA Associate member
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
The Award

The HCL Anderson Award is the Association's highest honour that can be bestowed on an Associate member of ALIA.

The award commemorates HCL Anderson, principal librarian of the Free Public Library of New South Wales from 1893 to 1906. Anderson created a collection and service policy to give his infant colonial library a stature of national importance. He worked with DS Mitchell, wealth collector of Australiana, adding to the bequest of Justice Edward Wise, Mitchell's extensive collections of books, manuscripts and maps, to build and preserve the first collection of national significance. Anderson persuaded Mitchell to finance the housing of the collection in what is now the Mitchell Library of the State Library of New South Wales. In addition to this protracted task, Anderson promoted the education of librarians and the expansion of services to the community (including those in remote areas) as well as to business and industry. His vision, dedication, and achievements provide a model for those nominated for this award.
Criteria

The HCL Anderson award criteria is for outstanding service to:
- the library and information profession in Australia,
- to ALIA,
- to the theory of library and information science,
- and/or to the practice of library and information services.
Nominations

This award is peer-nominated.

Confidentiality is essential and nominees should not be aware that they are being nominated for the award.

There must be two nominators. All nominations require a date and signature.
Decision, announcement and presentation

The ALIA Board receives nominations and makes the decision on who receives the award. The recipient is informed of the conferment of the award by email but are not told who nominated them. Nominators are also advised of the success of the nomination before it is announced and awarded at the ALIA National Conference or other prestigious ALIA event.

Metcalfe Award

NOMINEE - Must be an ALIA Associate or Library Technician member in their first five years of practice.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
The Award

The Metcalfe Award commemorates John Metcalfe and his contribution to librarianship and library education. John Metcalfe was New South Wales State Librarian before he became University Librarian of the University of New South Wales. He gained an international reputation through his writings and initiatives. He established the Australian Institute of Librarians, later to be renamed the Library Association of Australia and served a term as president of each. He was instrumental in the establishment of library education in Australia.
Criteria

The Metcalfe Award recognises high achievement by a current financial Associate or Library Technician member in their first five years of practice in libraries and information services.

Achievement would be commensurate with experience and should show a contribution beyond the normal requirements of the nominee's employment. This may include but not be limited to initiative, a commitment to innovation in practice, and leadership.
Nominations

This award is peer-nominated.

Confidentiality is essential and nominees should not be aware that they are being nominated for the award.

There must be two nominators. All nominations require a date and signature.
Decision, announcement and presentation

The ALIA Excellence Awards Panel makes recommendations to the ALIA Board. The recipient is informed of the conferment of the award by email. Nominators are also advised of the success of the nomination before it appears in ALIA News as the official announcement. The award is presented at a prestigious ALIA event.

Redmond Barry Award

NOMINEE - Nominees do not need to be a member of ALIA.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
The Award

The Redmond Barry Award commemorates the name and services to Australian libraries of Sir Redmond Barry, 1813 - 1880, regarded as the founder of the State Library of Victoria. Sir Redmond emigrated from Ireland to Australia in 1839, practised law in Melbourne and became Victorian solicitor-general and a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1852. In 1853, he was appointed chancellor of the University of Melbourne and chairman of trustees of the Public Library of Victoria and held both positions until his death.
Criteria

The Redmond Barry Award is awarded in recognition of outstanding service:
- to or promotion of a library and information service or libraries and information services, or
- to the theory or practice of library and information science, or an associated field.
Nominations

This award is peer-nominated.

Confidentiality is essential and nominees should not be aware that they are being nominated for the award.

There must be two nominators. All nominations require a date and signature.
Decision, announcement and presentation

The ALIA Board receives nominations and makes the decision on who receives the award. The recipient is informed of the conferment of the award by email but are not told who nominated them. Nominators are also advised of the success of the nomination before it is announced and awarded at the ALIA National Conference or other prestigious ALIA event.

Silver Pin

NOMINEE - Must be a personal financial member of ALIA for a minimum of five years.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Nomination
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
Details of service to ALIA, including dates wherever possible
The Award

The ALIA Silver Pin comprises the pin itself and a letter of thanks from the ALIA Executive Director, and is often presented at an ALIA function, such as a conference or meeting.
Criteria

The Silver Pin is available to a personal member who has served a minimum of five years or more on:

1. An ALIA group committee,including:
- special interest groups,
- ALIA Board advisory groups,
- ALIA conference committees, or
- as the ALIA representative on an external committee.
2. Or has made a significant contribution to the Association, considered to be the equivalent of a five-year commitment.
Nominations

This award may be self nominated supported by a referee.

Confidentiality is essential and nominees should not be aware that they are being nominated for the award.

All nominations require a date and signature.

Distinguished Library Technician Award

NOMINEE - Must be a personal Library Technician member of ALIA or a personal member of ALIA employed as a Library Technician
The Award

An ALIA Library Technician Award has been presented to members since 1989. The award was redesigned in 2025, and the re-branded 'Distinguished Library Technician Award' will be presented biennially from 2026.

Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Award:

Open 14th January Close 31st March

Peer and self nominations accepted.

Nominations can be made for the following criteria, demonstrated in a statement of no more than 500 words.

Criteria - Please note: it is not necessary to meet all criteria
- Promoting the goals and objectives of the Association
- Contributing to the advancement of library technicians
- Writing for industry publications, such as INCITE or JALIA
- Demonstrating excellence in LT practice
- Presentations at, or involvement with, conferences and events
- Personal achievement within the library sector
- Encouraging the professional development of LT students and new members to the profession
The Award Comprises of:

One year's personal ALIA membership OR credit towards an ALIA Conference, Symposium or Training to the equivalent value
A certificate
Recognition on the ALIA Website and in the ALIA Annual Report
Nominee's Details

Must be a personal Library Technician member of ALIA or a personal member of ALIA employed as a Library Technician
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Employer or place name
Nominator's Declaration

To the best of our belief, all the information provided is accurate and verifiable.

I understand that the submission of any falsified information can result in a void application during the vetting process or the removal of the honour from the recipient.

I understand that confidentiality in nomination is essential.

I understand that I may be contacted by ALIA to comment on the nomination before a decision is reached.
Nominator
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Professional or working relationship with nominee
Nominator's Statement

Demonstrate in a statement of no more than 500 words how the nominee meets one more of the criteria and why they should recieve this award. You can enter your statement in the box below, or upload a document.
Upload your statement

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Type your statement

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Nominee's Details

The following sections include: Career Summary, Qualifications, Honours and Awards and Office Bearer Roles with ALIA.
Career Summary

Provide a link to the nominee's LinkedIn profile and/or their Curriculum Vitae, with dates, if available.
LinkedIn URL
CV, with dates

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Qualifications, Honours and Awards

Provide include dates if known
Academic qualifications
Professional qualifications
Awards and distinctions
Office bearer roles with ALIA

Positions held in ALIA, including Board, Groups, Committees (with dates if known)
Positions held

Nominators' Statement
Statement

Please provide a statement explaining why your nominee should be awarded based on the award criteria.

You can type your statement now or upload a file below.

Type your statement here noting that the generally accepted range is between 600-1000 words.
Type your statement

0/2000
Upload your statement

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Letters of support

We encourage letters of support from other referees, award commendations and any other supporting materials be included with your submission. It is helpful to have letters of support from other individuals who are able to comment directly on the nominee's service.
Upload your supporting documents here

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More information or help

If you have any questions, please contact ALIA on 02 6215 8222 or enquiry@alia.org.au

Nominator or Referee

To be completed where one nominator or referee for self nomination is required.
Declaration

To the best of my belief, all the information provided is accurate and verifiable.

I understand that the submission of any falsified information can result in a void application during the vetting process or the removal of the honour from the recipient.

I understand that confidentiality in nomination is essential.

I understand that I may be contacted by ALIA to comment on the nomination before a decision is reached.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
E-mail of Nominator
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Current or most recent position
Professional or working relationship with nominee
Signature of nominator
Date

DayMonthYear
Date

Nominators

To be completed where two nominators are required.
Declaration

To the best of our belief, all the information provided is accurate and verifiable.

We understand that the submission of any falsified information can result in a void application during the vetting process or the removal of the honour from the recipient.

We understand that confidentiality in nomination is essential.

We understand that we may be contacted by ALIA to comment on the nomination before a decision is reached.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
E-mail of First Nominator
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Professional or working relationship with nominee
Signature of first nominator
Date

DayMonthYear
Date
Second Nominator
Full Name

First NameLast Name
E-mail of Second Nominator
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Professional or working relationship with nominee
Signature of second nominator
Date

DayMonthYear
Date

Majorie Cotton Award

NOMINEE - Must be a current personal member of ALIA who is employed as a young people's librarian or teacher librarian in Australia.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Current or most recent position
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Email
example@example.com.au
The Award

The Majorie Cotton Award aims to:
- Promote the role and image of librarians working with young people.
- Recognise individual achievement and cooperative networking in providing library services for young people.
- Encourage young people's librarians and teacher librarians to actively support the profession and the Association.
Nominations
- May be made by ALIA members, employers or colleagues.
- Require a proposer, a seconder and the nominee's consent.
Selection Criteria
- An outstanding contribution to developing, implementing or promoting services to young people in libraries.
- Active participation in co-operative networks, committees or groups furthering library services to young people.
- Research, publication or presentation of a paper on the subject of young people's librarianship or literature.
Statement & Supporting Documents

Please upload a statement and/or supporting documents explaining why your nominee should be awarded based on the award criteria.
Upload your documents here

Browse Files

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Nominator & Seconder Declaration

To the best of our belief, all the information provided is accurate and verifiable.

We confirm that nominee consent for this award has been obtained.

We understand that the submission of any falsified information can result in a void application during the vetting process or the removal of the honour from the recipient.

We understand that we may be contacted by ALIA to comment on the nomination before a decision is reached.
Nominator Full Name

First NameLast Name
E-mail
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Signature of nominator
Date

DayMonthYear
Date
Seconder Full Name

First NameLast Name
E-mail
example@example.com.au
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Signature of seconder
Date

DayMonthYear
Date

Bess Thomas Award

NOMINEE - Must be a current personal member or institutional member of ALIA.
Nominee's Full Name

First NameLast Name
Library service
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
Email
example@example.com.au
The Award

The Bess Thomas Award aims to:
- Encourage and support the development of innovative and significant library services to young people.
- Promote public and professional awareness of the importance of library services to young people.
- Honour the bequest made by Bess Thomas and commemorate her contribution to Australian children's libraries.
Nominations
- May be made by individuals, school libraries, public library services, regional services and co-operative networks.
- Require the consent of employing authorities.
Selection Criteria
- Proposals or current programs which develop innovative services or supplement resources for young people in libraries.
- Benefits of the project.
- Demonstration of special needs.
Statement & Supporting Documents

Please provide a statement and supporting documents explaining why your nominee should be awarded based on the award criteria.
Upload your documents here

Browse Files

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Nominator Declaration

To the best of my belief, all the information provided is accurate and verifiable.

I confirm that the consent of employing authorities has been obtained.

I understand that the submission of any falsified information can result in a void application during the vetting process or the removal of the honour from the recipient.

I understand that I may be contacted by ALIA to comment on the nomination before a decision is reached.
Nominator Full Name

First NameLast Name
Current position
Mobile Phone
Format: 0000-000-000.
E-mail
example@example.com.au
Signature
Date

DayMonthYear
Date

Email
example@example.com
Should be Empty:

ALIA Award Nominations

How to Nominate

Fellowship Award

Nominations

Decision, announcement and presentation

HCL Anderson Award

Nominations

Decision, announcement and presentation

Metcalfe Award

The Award

Nominations

Decision, announcement and presentation

Redmond Barry Award

The Award

Nominations

Decision, announcement and presentation

Silver Pin

The Award

Nominations

Distinguished Library Technician Award

The Award

Nominee's Details

Nominator's Declaration

Nominator

Nominator's Statement

Nominee's Details

Career Summary

Qualifications, Honours and Awards

Office bearer roles with ALIA

Nominators' Statement

Statement

Letters of support

More information or help

Nominator or Referee

Declaration

Nominators

Declaration

Second Nominator

Majorie Cotton Award

Statement & Supporting Documents

Nominator & Seconder Declaration

Bess Thomas Award

Statement & Supporting Documents

Nominator Declaration