OPLA James Bain Medallion Public Library Board Member of the Year

The James Bain Medallion is awarded to a library board member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in governing a public library in Ontario. This award recognizes and honours the best contributions and efforts of board members who govern public libraries. James Bain was the first President of the Ontario Library Association in 1901 and Chief Librarian of the Toronto Public Library.

Criteria/Eligibility

The nominated candidate must have served on a public library board for at least part of the calendar year for which they are honoured. All nominated board members from small, medium and large libraries are given equal consideration.
Board members currently serving on the OLBA Council are not eligible for this award.
The selection of the successful candidate will be based on significant contributions in at least two of the following criteria: o Demonstrated cohesive leadership in library governance resulting in an effective and responsible library board. o Significant accomplishments toward the advancement of library services and the development and implementation of sound policies. o 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 contributor to the economic and cultural development of the city, town or county. o Awareness of the changing needs of the community and evidence of community partnerships. o Demonstration of good judgement in implementing ideas which have increased service delivery and efficiency. o Ability to motivate, inspire and influence civic or provincial leaders to ensure that the library meets the informational, educational and recreational needs of all citizens with adequate financial support. o Awareness and vision of innovations and opportunities available within the library sector to meet the needs of their future patrons.

Nomination Procedure

The nominator must be a member in good standing of OLBA or OPLA.
The nomination form can be completed at http://awards.accessola.com/opla-james-bain/
The nominator must provide sufficient documented evidence to support the nomination, potentially including but not limited to: o The nominee’s library service at the local, provincial, national or international level. o Library Board Affiliation(s) and positions held. o An assessment of the nominee’s contributions to library development. o Examples of outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario. o Other important considerations.
Nominations will be accepted between: September – November.
The closing date for nominations in any given year is: 1 November.
Once the winner has been chosen, the OPLA President will contact the successful nominator. o The OLA office will contact all unsuccessful nominators.
Unless otherwise arranged, the OPLA President will also contact the successful nominee and request a photo for promotion purposes. o The OLA office will later connect with the nominator and the winner for award presentation logistics.
If desired, nominators may be involved in the award presentation such as creating and/or writing the presentation speech. Please indicate your interest to do so in the nomination form.

Selection Process

The OLBA Council will appoint the Selection Committee. It will be composed of three OLBA members and will include at least one OLBA Councillor.
Nominees who are not selected may be re-nominated in subsequent years with the submission of updated documentation.
The OLBA Awards Committee will review all of the applications and assess candidates’ eligibility. Eligible applications will be assessed according to the criteria as above and any supporting the documentation.
The OLBA Awards Committee will present all qualified candidates to the OLBA Council for consideration. The Council will consider all potential candidates, including those nominated from the membership.
The presentation of the award is at the discretion of the OLBA Council and is not necessarily presented on an annual basis.

Award Presentation Information

The President of OPLA will present the award at the Public Library Awards Gala in conjunction with the OLA’s annual Super Conference.
The winner will be notified in advance of the award presentation.
At the presentation, an introductory speech will be delivered outlining the achievements of the award winner.
The recipient will prepare a short acceptance speech.
Award winners receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Public Library Awards Gala; one for themselves (or designate), and one for a guest. Additional tickets must be purchased.