Nominations are now being accepted for the Public Librarian Support Award, a conference travel award administered by RUSA for public librarians who provide business reference services.

This annual award, which is sponsored by investment research firm Morningstar, Inc., offers $1,000 in travel funds for ALA’s Annual Conference to a public librarian who has performed outstanding business reference service and who requires financial assistance to attend the conference. The award winner must be a member of ALA, RUSA and BRASS and  show a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career as a business reference librarian and the potential to be a leader in the profession. In addition, he or she will be expected to participate in BRASS conference activities and  write a short statement about his or her experience at the conference for publication following the event.

Those interested in submitting a nomination should send a letter of nomination to the committee chair using U.S. mail or e-mail outlining the nominee’s accomplishments in public librarianship and business reference, including but not limited to involvement in special projects; creation of a business Web site; outstanding service to the community; and publications. Full contact information for the nominator and nominee should be submitted along with the letter. Questions should be directed to Terry Zarsky, chairperson for the award committee. All nominations must be received by Dec. 15. Those interested in this award who are not yet BRASS members may join by visiting www.ala.org/membership.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company offers an extensive line of Internet, software, and print-based products and services for individuals, financial advisors, and institutions. Morningstar provides data on nearly 325,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, along with real-time global market data on more than 4 million equities, indexes, futures, options, commodities, and precious metals, in addition to foreign exchange and Treasury markets. The company has operations in 19 countries and minority ownership positions in companies based in three other countries.