South Carolina public libraries enrich the lives of all South Carolinians. They provide information that helps people make critical and day-to-day decisions. They lead young people to the joy of reading and the excitement of using new technologies. They enrich our understanding of our history and help us chart our future. They provide materials that lift our spirits and help us understand the difficulties that we encounter. The Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) Awards Program is intended to recognize individuals who are critical to these accomplishments and without whom South Carolina's public libraries would be substantially diminished.
Deadline for nominating: February 14, 2014.
Outstanding Individual Award
The Outstanding Individual Award, presented at the FOSCL Annual Meeting, recognizes an individual whose contributions to the support and advancement of public libraries has been outstanding. Nominees do not need to be South Carolina residents, but a connection with South Carolina public libraries is preferred. Nominees may include, but are not limited to, volunteers, library staff, library trustees, government officials or legislators, school and university personnel, Friends of Libraries members, and philanthropists. The award is intended to recognize a broad spectrum of appropriate personal qualities and activities including:
• Activities that support and advance the mission of South Carolina public libraries;
• Lifelong use and devotion to public libraries;
• Evident appreciation and support of the mission of public libraries;
• Leadership role in service on behalf of public libraries
John Landrum Advocacy Award
The John Landrum Advocacy Award, presented at the FOSCL Annual Meeting, recognizes individuals whose advocacy, support, and encouragement have been critical in recognition of the value of library services and ensuring that South Carolina's public libraries remain prominent and vibrant institutions. Nominees may include, but are not limited to, volunteers, library staff, library trustees, government officials or legislators, school and university personnel, Friends of Libraries members, and philanthropists. The award is intended to recognize a broad spectrum of advocacy activities, including:
• Activities that increase public awareness of the value of S.C. public libraries;
• Activities that contribute to legislation favorable to S.C. public libraries;
• Activities that contribute to improvements in the funding and resources that further S.C. public library service.
Public Library Employee Excellence Award
The Public Library Employee Excellence Award is intended to recognize public library personnel who are critical to library services and without whom South Carolina's public libraries would be substantially diminished. Two awards may be given annually, and are presented at the FOSCL Annual Meeting. Only current public library employees are eligible nominees. The award recognizes excellence in job performance as it relates to one of the following criteria:
• Exemplary performance both in the employee's own responsibilities as well as service beyond assigned duties. Established record of significant achievement sustained over a period of time.
• Continuous leadership in the conduct or improvement of library programs, services or operations.
• Contributing to positive patron relations by offering helpful and friendly assistance which can serve as a model for other employees.
• Innovative and/or creative ideas that have improved the efficiency and/or effectiveness of a library unit or service. Ideas that might contribute to the resolution of a difficult problem or a method which would improve department output or quality of work.
Outstanding Elected Official Award
Purpose: South Carolina public libraries enrich the lives of all South Carolinians. They provide information that helps people make critical, day-to-day decisions. Libraries lead young people to the joy of reading and the excitement of using new technologies. They enrich understanding of our history and help us chart our future. The Friends of South Carolina Libraries' Outstanding Elected Official Award recognizes an outstanding South Carolina elected official who has promoted public libraries through legislation or fund-raising, or has shown support in some other purposeful and meaningful manner.
The Friends of South Carolina Libraries' Outstanding Elected Official Award recognizes, at the State level, an individual who has been honored by a local Friends' board. Local Friends' Boards may nominate, for consideration by FOSCL at the State level, those individuals whose advocacy, support, and encouragement have been critical to the success of their own local library services.
Criteria: Nominees must hold elective office in South Carolina at any government level. The nominee MUST first have been recognized at the local level for outstanding support by the Friends of the Library organization putting the nominee forward for state level recognition. The local Friends group must be a member of Friends of South Carolina Libraries. This award is intended to recognize a broad spectrum of advocacy activities, including:
• Activities that increase public awareness of the value of South Carolina's public libraries;
• Activities that contribute to legislation favorable to South Carolina's public libraries;
• Activities that contribute to improvements in the funding and resources that further South Carolina's public library services.
Nomination Process: The local Friends of the Library Board should decide which elected official is the outstanding individual at the local level. The name and contributions of this individual should be sent in the form of a letter, addressed to Friends of South Carolina Libraries, describing the nominee's contributions and advocacy activities as they meet the criteria described above.
GUIDELINES
The nomination letter must include the name of the nominee, the name of the award and the name of the Friends group that is nominating the elected official. The letter may be no longer than one 8 1/2" by 11" page, and must be signed by the Friends' group president , any co-nominators, and the Director of the County Library to which the Friends group is affiliated. The letter should clearly state the reasons that the nominee should be considered. No supplementary material is required and, if sent, will not be returned. Deadline for the receipt of nomination letters is February 14, 2014.
Letters may be sent as email attachments to FOSCLAwards@yahoo.com, or they may be mailed to FOSCL Awards, P.O. Box 11121, Columbia, SC 29211. Please include a return email address if a receipt confirmation is requested.
