NYT expands librarian awards program

Found this via Lisnews -- so spread the word!

The New York Times Announces Expanded Librarian Awards Program; For the First Time, National Awards Program Will Honor Both Public and Academic Librarians

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 17, 2006--The New York Times announced today that it will present awards to both public and academic librarians in 2006. Previously, awards have gone only to librarians working in public libraries.


Nominations for the sixth annual New York Times Librarian Awards for public librarians are being accepted until September 15. The awards will honor 21 public librarians across the country who provide outstanding community service on a consistent basis. Nominations come from the public.

Additionally, in September and October, The Times will accept nominations of academic librarians working in university and college libraries for The New York Times Academic Librarian Awards. These nominations will come from students, faculty and administrators at universities and colleges nationwide and awards will be presented to three academic librarians. Awards will be given to those academic librarians whose outstanding service has enriched their libraries, institutions and academic communities. Nominations for academic librarians will be accepted, starting in September, until October 20. Information about the awards program can be found at www.nytimes-community.com.

"We have been very gratified, each year, at the tremendous response the public librarian awards have received from the public," said Alyse Myers, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, The New York Times Media Group. "Now, we are delighted to expand the honors to include librarians serving academic communities at colleges and universities across the country. The Times remains strongly committed to the values promoted by all libraries - literacy, education and information access - and we are very glad to have this enhanced opportunity to celebrate the important work performed by librarians in both the public and academic sector."

Winners will be selected by committee and announced in The Times in December. Each winner will receive $2,500 and a commemorative plaque from The Times in recognition of his or her achievements.