The James Bain Medallion is awarded to a public library board member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario.
James Bain was the first president of the Ontario Library Association in 1901 and chief librarian of Toronto Public Library. He secured $350,000 from Andrew Carnegie in 1903 for a central reference library and branches in Toronto
James Bain
1842 – 1908
This is a province wide award, which symbolizes and honours the best contributions and efforts of board members who govern public libraries in Ontario. The President of the Ontario Public Library Association presents the medallion at the annual Public Library Awards dinner held in conjunction with the Ontario Library Association's annual Super conference.
Who is eligible?
The nominated candidate must have served on a board all or at least part of the calendar year in which he or she is honoured. Board members from small, medium and large libraries shall be given equal consideration.
Board members currently serving on the OLBA Council are not eligible for this award.
What to do?
A library board member or librarian may fill out the nomination form and prepare a nominating statement giving examples as evidence of how the candidate meets the criteria below. Each nomination must be sponsored by at least two members of OPLA or OBLA and must be submitted by November 15. Letters of support are welcome.
Nominees who are not selected may be resubmitted with updated documentation for future consideration.
CRITERIA
The selection of the nominated candidate will be based on significant contributions in at least one of the following criteria:
a.
Demonstrated cohesive leadership in library governance resulting in an effective and responsible library board;
b.
Significant accomplishments toward the advancement of library services and the development and implementation of sound policies;
c.
Strong advocacy for the significance and importance of the library’s role in community development and for strengthening the image of the library as a public service agency;
d.
Awareness of the changing needs of the community and evidence of community partnerships;
e.
Demonstration of good judgement in implementing ideas which have increased service delivery and efficiency;
f.
Ability to motivate, inspire and influence civic and provincial leaders to ensure that the library meets the informational, educational and recreational needs of all citizens with adequate financial support;
g.
Awareness and vision of innovations and opportunities available within the library sector to meet the needs of their future patrons.
The Selection Committee will be appointed by the OLBA Council. It will be composed of three OLBA members and will include at least one OLBA Councillor. In the event that there no nominations of sufficiently outstanding achievement submitted, the award will not be presented that year.
RECIPIENTS
2009 - No recipient for this year.
2008 - Joyce Smith, Clearview Public Library Board
2007 - Suzanne Culp, Lincoln Public Library Board
2006 - Jan Perfect, North Bay Public Library Board
2005 - Ethan Mings, Lincoln Public Library Board
2004 -
Sharon Stroud, Haldimand Public Library Board
2004 -
Rick Goldsmith, Toronto Public Library Board
2003 -
Carman Dix, Niagara Falls Public Library Board
2002 - Marcel Giroux, Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board
2001 - Jim MacDonald, Brantford Public Library Board
2000 - Gwen MacDougall, North Bay Public Library
1999 - Hilary Bates Neary, London Public Library Board
1999 - Margaret MacLean, Thunder Bay Public Library Board
1998 - Elizabeth Buckingham, Ottawa Public Library Board
1997 - Edmundo Vàsquez, Toronto Public Library Board
1996 - Elizabeth (Elsie) Dugard, Geraldton Public Library Board
1995 - Bruce Walker, St. Catharines Public Library Board
1994 - (not awarded)
1993 - Anne VanWyngaarden, Wainfleet Public Library Board
1992 - Hervé Casault, Gloucester Public Library Board
1991 - Armand Landry, Smooth Rock Falls Public Library Board
1990 - Eileen Hammill, Guelph Public Library Board
1989 - Leah Mitchell, Grand Valley Public Library Board
1988 - Sheryl Taylor-Munro, Toronto Public Library Board
1987 - Jack Kippen, Lennox & Addington County
1986 - Ernest Coté, Ottawa Public Library Board
1985 - George Court, Metropolitan Toronto Library Board
1984 - Margaret Andrewes, Lincoln Public Library Board
