VLA Professional Associates Forum Awards

List of Awards

The Outstanding Professional Associates Award

The Outstanding Professional Associates Award (previously known as the Paraprofessional Award) was launched in 1996 as a means of recognizing excellence among the library Professional Associates in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This award will be presented to a deserving Virginia Professional Associate at the VLAPAF Spring Conference. It is presented annually to an individual who has been a member of VLA for at least one year and who demonstrates excellence in performance in his/her field of expertise. This individual should also be someone who fosters communication among library employees throughout the Commonwealth and advances and strengthens the image of Professional Associates. You may nominate a colleague or yourself.

The entry should include:

  • Name of the nominee
  • Library where the nominee is associated
  • Two-three paragraphs describing why the nominee deserves this award
  • Additionally, the nomination may include a list of activities, programs and organization participation, recognitions or awards, innovative support staff development activities, or other noteworthy achievements in the workplace
  • Name and library of the nominator

The VLA Professional Associates Forum Award

The VLA Professional Associates Forum Award (previously known as the VLA Paraprofessional Forum Award) was established in 1995 through the generosity of Evelyn Kimball, a retired library paraprofessional who recognizes the value of support staff development. This award is meant to assist someone who is unable to acquire local funding to attend the conference. Awarded annually, it will provide full conference fees to a deserving paraprofessional. You may nominate a colleague or yourself.

The entry should include:

  • Name of the nominee
  • Library where the nominee is associated
  • Two-three paragraphs describing why the nominee deserves this award
  • Name and library of the nominator

The VLAPAF Supporter of Professional Associates Award

The VLAPAF Supporter of the Year Award (formerly known as the VLAPAF Supporter of Paraprofessionals Award) was established in 1996 as a means of recognizing an individual who has provided significant support to their staff and who has been a champion for library support staff in Virginia libraries. If you know someone who has been an advocate for continuing education programs and pay increases for their library support staff and who has encouraged their library staff to excel in the workplace, you are encouraged to nominate them to receive this award and recognition. You may nominate a supporter of Professional Associates.

The entry should include:

  • Name of the nominee
  • Library where the nominee is associated
  • Two-three paragraphs describing why the nominee deserves this award
  • Name and library of the nominator

VLA also offers several awards through the Awards and Recognition Committee. Visit the VLA Awards page for more information.

For more information, contact:
Lisa R. Varga
VLA Executive Director
[email protected]