Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality

The Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) of the American Library Association, with sponsorship from Library Juice Academy, is proud to present the Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality.

About Herb

Herb Biblo was a long-time member and supporter of SRRT from the early days of SRRT in the 1970s until his death in 2018. He also served as ALA Treasurer from 1980 - 1984 and as ALA Councilor for many years alongside his wife Mary Biblo. Read more about Herb in our June 2018 newsletter.

About the Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual for outstanding leadership in promoting social justice and/or equality within the library profession. Leadership can be demonstrated by accomplishments through the Social Responsibilities Round Table or other ALA bodies, socially responsible groups within state, provincial, regional, or city library organizations, and/or international library organizations. Preference will be given to persons who have had the widest impact, including influence on the greater society outside the library environment. To be eligible for this award, individuals must be members of SRRT or other library organizations or groups with similar goals and objectives.

One award will be given out each year. The first award was presented to Elaine Harger at the 2022 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Our second award was presented virtually to Michele Villagran at the 2023 Annual Conference.

Award Criteria

To be eligible for this award, individuals must be members of SRRT or other library organizations with similar goals and objectives. They must demonstrate concrete achievements in or advancement of social responsibility in librarianship or library science education. Awards may be given in recognition of an individual’s specific projects or programs or for lifelong accomplishment. Preference will be given to a person who has had the widest impact, including influence on society outside the library environment.

Thank you
Library Juice Press!

Call for Nominations

Applications for the award are currently being accepted. Nominations received by 11:59pm CST on January 15, 2024 will be considered for the 2024 award. Submit your nomination here

Contribute to the Award

Contributions to the Herb Biblo Award for Outstanding Leadership are currently being accepted on the official ALA donation page

Questions and inquiries about the Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality can be sent to Laura Koltutsky, Chair of the SRRT Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice & Equality Committee, at laurakoltutsky@gmail.com.