Eligible nominees include public library staff member, library trustees, or specific public libraries.
The recipient of the Gordon M. Conable Award must have demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights in various ways, including, but not limited, to the following:
- developed and promoted collections that include diverse points of view;
- provided programs that promote community dialog on controversial issues;
- created and nurtured an organizational climate that fosters an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights amongst the library staff, library board, and elected and appointed officials;
- initiated activities at the local, state, or national level that promote, support, or defend intellectual freedom, the Library Bill of Rights, or the First Amendment;
- guaranteed open access to library materials and services for children and young adults;
- guaranteed open access to electronic information;
- defended library materials, programs, or services when confronted with a censorship challenge.
Further details are available on PLA's website. Nominations are open until Dec. 1.
