Congratulations to our 2005 winners!

• 2005 Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year: Kathleen Swetish, Whelden Memorial Library, Barnstable
• 2005 Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year: Deborah Bockus, George C. Gordon Library, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Winners were chosen at the MLA Conference in Falmouth on May 11th. With a field of 25 distinguished and talented nominees, it was tough for the Executive Committee of the Paralibrarian Section to choose only one winner in each category. Kathy and Deb had to be (and are) superstars, exemplifying the best that our library community has to offer.

The Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year award goes to a non-MLS library staffer who goes above and beyond the limits of a job title, meeting high standards of service and excellence and showing pride in library work. This person exemplifies the ideal that true professionalism isn't limited to professional librarians.

The Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year award goes to a person who knows the value of paralibrarians in our libraries, and has worked to increase visibility and opportunities for non-MLS staff. This person may or may not be a paralibrarian - s/he could be a director, a supervisor, a colleague - anyone who has demonstrated outstanding support for library paralibrarians.

The 2004 winners were:

• 2004 Outstanding Paralibrarian of the Year: Lynne Riley, Holy Cross Library, Worcester
• 2004 Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year: Allison daSilva, Reading Public Library