Submit now for 2013 John Sessions Award honoring libraries serving labor community

Consider submitting a nomination today for the John Sessions Memorial Award–an annual award presented by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). The nomination period for the 2013 award is open through Dec. 15, 2012.

The John Sessions Memorial Award recognizes a library or library system that has made a significant effort to work with the labor community and by doing so has brought recognition to the history and contribution of the labor movement to the development of the United States. Such efforts may include outreach projects to local labor unions; establishment of, or significant expansion of, special labor collections; initiation of programs of special interest to the labor community; or other library activities that serve the labor community.

Last year’s winner, the Labor Archives and Research Center at San Francisco State University, was recognized for its notable contributions to the field of Labor Studies including the book “San Francisco Labor Landmarks Guide Book”; several online exhibits, including one entitled “Look for the Union Label: A Celebration of Union Logos and Emblems”; and a 25th anniversary celebration that included the program “Sympathetic”, which honored the experience of those who witnessed and participated in the funeral march for two workers killed during the 1934 Pacific Maritime Strike.

The award committee selected the Center for its efforts to educate the community on the accomplishments of labor through its public programs, publications, exhibitions, and oral history project.  These resources and the Center’s outreach efforts illustrate their commitment to preserving and highlighting the history of labor.

The 2013 award will presented at the RUSA Awards Reception during the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, IL, June 27- July 2, 2013.  To nominate a library or organization, download and complete the nomination form (PDF format), and follow the submission instructions therein.

Questions should be directed to the committee chair, Susan Hurst, hurstsj@miamiOH.edu, 513-529-4144.

 

Exceptional RSS members wanted for RUSA’s 2013 RSS Service Achievement Award

Do you know an outstanding RUSA Reference Services Section member deserving of national recognition? Nominate him or her for the 2013 Reference Services Section (RSS) Achievement Award. This award honors an RSS member’s contributions to the section. The recipient will be chosen based on either sustained contributions towards attaining the goals of RSS or a single significant contribution that has resulted in a positive impact upon the work of the section.

Please send your nomination detailing specifically how the nominee has met either of these criteria to Virginia Cole (vac11@cornell.edu), the award committee chair, by December 15.

Learn more about RUSA’s Reference Services Section.