Collaborative Spirit Award
Individual or Team in a Health Library or Health Information Environment
This award honours a librarian, library staff member, or team working in a health library or health information environment, who demonstrates outstanding commitment to collaboration, communication, and the betterment of the library community. This award recognizes individuals whose daily efforts, whether visible or behind the scenes, help connect institutions, foster professional engagement, and strengthen our shared network of knowledge and service. From always responding to interlibrary loan requests and emails to actively participating in listservs and professional groups, this award celebrates those who embody the spirit of support and shared growth across libraries.
Criteria/Eligibility
- The selected candidate(s) must be employed by a health library or information environment (e.g. public health unit, non-profit organization, academic spaces, government, etc.).
- The selected candidate(s) must be considered to have demonstrated outstanding commitment to collaboration, communication, and the betterment of the library community. This award recognizes individuals whose daily efforts, whether visible or behind the scenes, help connect institutions, foster professional engagement, and strengthen our shared network of knowledge and service.
Nomination Procedure
- The nominator must be a member in good standing of OLA
- The nomination package should include evidence to support the nomination, potentially including but not limited to:
- Please provide a description (300 words or less) explaining why this person or team is deserving of this recognition, using concrete examples from the recent few years.
- Focus on their qualities, achievements, or contributions that align with the spirit of the award. Examples include fostering community at the local or provincial level in Ontario, such as assisting with interlibrary loan (ILL) requests and participating in committees.
- Additional letters of support from those who have been impacted by the nominee are welcome, but not required.
Selection Process
- Nominations will be accepted between: September – November.
- OHLIA council will review all submissions for the award and collectively choose the successful candidate.
- Once the winner has been chosen, the OLA Office and OHLIA President will contact the successful nominator.
- The OLA office will contact all unsuccessful nominators.
- The OLA office will connect with the winner for award presentation logistics.
Award Presentation Information
- The President of OHLIA will be presented the award at Super Conference.
- At the presentation, an introductory speech will be delivered outlining the achievements of the award winner.
- The recipient will prepare a short acceptance speech.
Please check back soon for a list of past recipients of this award.
