Awards

Every year, the OLA recognizes individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have greatly contributed to Ontario’s libraries. With 9 OLA awards and 21 divisional awards, these awards recognize library sector professionals that go above and beyond in their work.

If you have any questions about OLA’s award program or the nomination process, please contact us at awards@accessola.com.

OLA Awards

These nine awards recognize members and non-members who have added exceptional value to the OLA.

OLA Larry Moore Distinguished Service Award

This award bestows an honourary life membership on a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the libraries of Ontario through his or her work within the Association.

OLA President Award for Exceptional Achievement

This award recognizes an outstanding action or contribution that has in a major or unique way enhanced or furthered librarianship in Ontario.

OLA Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award

This award recognizes the courage shown by individuals and organizations in defending the rights of library patrons to full access to information.

OLA Media and Communications Award

This award recognizes individuals and companies that present libraries and librarians in a constructive light, breaking down stereotypical images often associated with the profession.

OLA Archival and Preservation Achievement Award

This award recognizes Ontario-based individuals and institutions that have made significant achievements on a personal or institutional level in the field of preservation and/or conservation for library and/or archival materials.

OLA Technical Services Award

This award recognizes the Ontario librarian, teacher-librarian, technician, library worker or department who has made a substantial achievement to their institution and/or the library profession in the area of technical services.

OLA Library Building Award

Two categories within this award recognize excellence in library building projects in Ontario.

OLA Champion Award

This award recognizes unique partnerships with the Ontario Library Association that demonstrate significant contributions and commitment to the association, its programs and services through this venture.

Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship

This award recognizes a candidate that has demonstrated exceptional success in enhancing the public recognition and appreciation of librarianship.

Divisional Awards

OLA’s seven divisions each offer awards that recognize their members by putting their library achievements in the spotlight.

ABO - Franco Awards

ABO-Franco offers two awards to recognize individuals or institutions that have distinguished themself in the development and promotion of library services in French in Ontario

OCULA Awards

Ontario College and University Library Association offers three awards to members and non-members that recognizes exceptional achievement in service, research or planning.

OHLIA Awards

Ontario Health Library and Information Association offers two awards to members and non-members that recognizes those who have had a significant role with OHLIA and made a lasting contribution to health librarianship in Ontario.

OLBA Awards

Ontario Library Boards’ Association offers two awards to members and non-members that recognize public librarians who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and public library boards that have demonstrated a high level of innovation.

OLITA Awards

Ontario Library and Information Technology Association offers one award that recognizes a project that demonstrates leadership in the application of technology to benefit library users, enhance library operations, and extend partnerships.

OPLA Awards

Ontario Public Library Association offers six awards that recognize library board members, library staff members, children’s librarians, and library professionals who have made substantial achievements.

OSLA Awards

Ontario School Library Association offers five awards that recognize teacher-librarians, school library professionals, school administrators, individuals outside of individual schools or school boards, and library professionals who have made substantial achievements.