SLA awards and honors recognize specific achievements and are given at different points in an information professional’s career. Each SLA award was created with a distinct purpose in mind and with its own meaning.

Recipients of SLA awards and honors typically are recognized at the SLA Annual Conference, and because SLA members represent over 45 countries, we officially honor award winners at our Virtual Awards Ceremony every Fall.

To honor an SLA member, complete the nomination application by June 1 of the current year. Remember to keep the specific award’s meaning in mind—each application should address the purpose of that specific award and include the nominee’s activities, accomplishments, and contributions that align with that purpose. Describe, where applicable, the specific results and impacts of the nominee’s efforts that strengthen the case for that award.

Nomination TipsheetNOMINATION TIPSHEE

JOHN COTTON DANA AWARD

The John Cotton Dana Award is SLA’s top honor, named for SLA’s founder and first president. It is granted to an information professional to recognize a lifetime of achievement as well as exceptional service to SLA and the library and information profession. Dana Award recipients.

FELLOWS OF SLA

Fellowship in SLA is bestowed on active, mid-career SLA members in recognition of past, present and future service to the association and the profession. Fellows are called upon and expected to advise the association’s Board of Directors, prepare necessary documentation, and alert the membership to issues and trends warranting action. Nominees will typically have at least 10-15 years of experience in the profession Individuals receiving this honor will be able to use the title Fellow of the Special Libraries Association. NOTE: Members who are currently serving on the SLA Board of Directors are ineligible for designation as Fellows. No more than five SLA members will be selected for Fellowship each year. Fellows of SLA.

ROSE L. VORMELKER AWARD

The “Rosie” is presented to a mid-career member in good standing who actively teaches and/or mentors students or working professionals. Vormelker Award recipients.

SLA HALL OF FAME

Membership in the SLA Hall of Fame is accorded to SLA members in good standing who are at or near the end of their active professional career to recognize service and contributions to the association. Hall of Fame recognition also is granted for lengthy distinguished service to an SLA chapter or division that has contributed to the success of the association. Hall of Fame Members.

JAMES M. MATARAZZO RISING STAR AWARD

This honor is bestowed annually to recognize outstanding new SLA members who show exceptional promise of leadership and contribution to the association and profession. Nominees must have one to ten years of professional experience as an information professional and have been an SLA member for ten years or less. No more than five SLA Rising Star Awards will be awarded annually. Recipients will receive complimentary registration for the SLA Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO in the year in which they receive the award. If you are planning to be nominated for the Rising Star Award, please don’t register for the conference. If you apply for the award and are not selected, we will still honor the early bird rate. SLA Rising Stars.