Health Library Sector Collaborative Spirit Award
Individual or Team in a Health Library or Health Information Environment
Description
This award honours a librarian, library staff member, or team engaged in health-related library or health information work, 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.
Eligibility
- The selected candidate(s) must demonstrate current engagement in a health-related library or health information work(e.g. public health unit, non-profit organization, academic spaces, government, etc.; or a public librarian providing consumer health services).
- 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.
- The candidate is not required to be an OLA member
Criteria
- Nominations will be accepted between: February – November
- The nominator must be a member in good standing of OLA
- The selected candidate(s) must demonstrate current engagement in a health-related library or health information work(e.g. public health unit, non-profit organization, academic spaces, government, etc.; or a public librarian providing consumer health services).
- 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.
- 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.
- All OLA Awards follow the OLA Awards Procedure
Selection Process
- OHLIA council will review all submissions for the award and collectively choose the successful candidate.
2026 Health Science Information Consortium (HSIC) Social Committee
2025 Amanda Ross-White, Queen’s University
