The Awards/Grants Committee provides information on the awards sponsored by WLA, determines which awards should be presented during a given year, encourages and solicits award applications, selects recipients for the awards, and arranges for the formal presentation of awards at the annual conference. The committee encourages and solicits applications for and awards the Nora Van Burgh Development Grants and the Debbie Iverson MPLA Scholarship, and solicits nominations for ALA and MPLA awards.
The committee consists of a chair and at least four members who are representative of the various types of libraries and geographic areas within the state. Members serve for two years, with at least two new members being appointed each year.
Members
Chair Anna Street (2020-2022)
Campbell County Public Library (307) 687-9201 Kim Larson (2019-2021) Laramie County Library System (307) 634-3561 Nicholle Gerharter (2021-2023) | 2020 Award WinnersOutstanding Hero/Heroine: Olympus Games and Comics, Laramie County Library Outstanding Librarian: Conraddo Saldivar, Natrona County Library Outstanding Library: Ten Sleep Library, Washakie County Libraries History |
Nora Van Burgh began her career in Wyoming libraries as a student assistant in the Natrona County High School Library. She received her Master's of Library Science degree from the University of Oregon in 1978 and was employed at Casper College for many years. A strong believer in lifelong learning, she served on the Wyoming Library Association's Continuing Education Committee. WLA created the Professional Development Grants in 1985 and changed the award name in 1991 to honor her memory.
The WLA Executive Board has established a program to provide funding assistance to those who wish to enhance their effectiveness as library employees through additional educational experience. Non-degreed library employees, a majority of the WLA membership, are particularly encouraged to apply, though any current member of WLA may apply.
Application Criteria
The applicant must have been a member of the Wyoming Library Association for at least two years, be a resident of Wyoming, and be employed in a Wyoming library.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/FjWEavyNJHMcwBDq8
Grant Conditions
Debbie Iverson MPLA ScholarshipThe Debbie Iverson MPLA Scholarship was established in 2008 through the work and contribution of Debbie Iverson with the support of WLA upon her retirement from Sheridan College, located in Sheridan, Wyoming. The purpose of the scholarship fund is to further the leadership skills of Wyoming library employees who wish to attend the MPLA Leadership Institute, held every two years. Potential recipients may apply to the MPLA Leadership Institute and, upon acceptance, show verification to the WLA Awards/Grants Committee. Full to partial funding with the scholarship is contingent upon the number of applicants who approach the committee. |
The Outstanding Hero/Heroine award provides an opportunity for WLA to recognize an outstanding person or group whose hard work has made a difference to a Wyoming library within the last two years.
Nomination Criteria
Nomination Questions
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The Outstanding Librarian award recognizes the significant and outstanding accomplishments of a library employee in the past year, including service to the public and/or library community. It is also meant to reflect the goals of WLA and the library profession as a whole.
Nomination Questions
Printable Word version ▪ Printable PDF version
The Outstanding Library award recognizes a significant special project completed within the last two years. The staff, library board, community, or people served must all have been involved in the work for which recognition is sought.
Nomination Criteria
Nomination Questions