News from

2008 MLA Paralibrarian Section Awards Nominations
OUTSTANDING Paralibrarian of the Year
and
Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year

For "OUTSTANDING Paralibrarian of the Year", take a moment to think about a non-MLS colleague who

Consistently goes beyond the limits of the job title

Carries their passion beyond the physical building into the community and state level

Exemplifies the ideal that true professionalism is not limited to professional librarians

Exhibits adaptability, takes initiative and inspires others

Is a problem solver with a can-do, professional attitude

Seeks educational opportunities

Thinks outside the box

The "Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year" award is for a director, trustee, supervisor, colleague, paralibrarian or anyone else who

Knows the value of paralibrarians in our libraries

Works to increase visibility and opportunities for non-MLS staff

Demonstrates outstanding support for paralibrarians

If you know someone who meets these criteria, why not honor them with a nomination for one of these awards? Just let us know why this person is deserving of the award.

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE, simply attach a letter thoroughly explaining why your nominee should win the award. You will want to give as much detail as possible considering the criteria listed above. All valid nominations must include the following:

Nominee's Name

Nominee's Library

Nominee's Library Director/Supervisor and Contact Information

Your Name/Library

Your Phone/Email Address

This is a chance for MLA to publicly honor your deserving colleagues at the 2008 Annual Conference in Falmouth! Submit your nomination now!!

DEADLINE: Nominations must be received NO LATER THAN March 7, 2008.

Nominations can be submitted on-line at http://www.masslib.org, by email or postal mail to:

Denise Faucher
Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Square
Worcester, MA 01608
dfaucher@cwmars.org

Selection of award winning nominees will be made by the Executive Board of the MLA Paralibrarian Section. A confirming reference check will be conducted on all finalists. Winners need not be members of MLA, however, participation in library organizations such as MLA will be given special note. All award decisions are final.

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New Executive Manager

I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Hacala, MLA's publications manager, has been selected to become MLA's new executive manager. After more than four years with MLA, our current executive manager, Diane Klaiber, will be leaving in January. Catch the next edition of Bay State Libraries to read more about Diane's tenure with MLA.

Kimberly S. Lynn, President, Massachusetts Library Association