Librarian of the Year and Excellence in Service--2010

Download the Librarian of the Year brochure.

In its fourteenth year, the Public Librarian of the Year program recognizes excellence in the Hawai'i State Public Library System (HSPLS). The winner is chosen on criteria of dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the job, community service, and promotion of public libraries in the community. Candidates must be employed by HSPLS for at least four years and have a Masters in Library Science degree or branch manager status. Previous winners, HSPLS retirees, and employees of Borders Books and Music are ineligible.

In its fifth year, the Excellence in Service Award was created to honor support staff at the State’s libraries. The winners are chosen on criteria of dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the job, community service, and promotion of public libraries in the communities. Employment with HSPLS for at least four years is also a requirement.

All awardees will be honored at a reception at the Hawaii State Library in January. The public is invited to join in the celebration of excellence in our public libraries.

Past winners of the LOTY award include:

• 1997 Denise Jacobson, Children’s Librarian at the Kailua-Kona Public Library
• 1998 Dave Del Rocco, Hawai'i and Pacific Section, Hawai'i State Library
• 1999 Dawn Shibano, Branch Manager, Bond Memorial Public Library
• 2000 Sri TenCate, Branch Manager, Molokai Public Library
• 2001 Arlene Ching, Children’s Librarian, Mililani Public Library
• 2002 Tim Littlejohn, Branch Manager, Waialua Public Library
• 2003 Richard Burns, Branch Manager, Kapolei Public Library
• 2004 Wendi Woodstrup, Branch Manager, Mililani Public Library
• 2005 Mary Ann Collignon, Young Adult Librarian, Kapolei Public Library
• 2006 Claudine Fujii, Branch Manager, Hilo Public Library
• 2007 Kathleen Ageton, Youth Services, Kihei Public Library, Maui
• 2008 Stacie Kanno, Branch Manager, Kapolei Public Library, Oahu
• 2009 Gabrielle Casart, Laupahoehoe Public & School Library, Hawai`i

Past winners of the Excellence in Service Award include:

• 2006 Melissa Jordan, Kapolei Public Library, Oahu
  Jennifer Relacion, Princeville, Kaua'i
  Sheri Akuna, Makawao, Maui
• 2007 Lisa Cabudol, Naalehu Public & School Library, Hawai`i
  Lawrence Nihoa, Kapolei Public Library, Oahu
  Debra Wong Yuen, Pahala Public & School Library, Hawai`i
• 2008 Irene Pavao, Hana Public Library, Maui
  Sherlene Rosario, Na`alehu Public Library, Hawai`i
• 2009 Barbara Gambsky, Mountain View Public & School Library, Hawai`i
  Marjorie Akita, Hanapepe Public Library, Kaua`i
  Lorna Lau, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Oah`u

THE AWARDS
The winning librarian and the library support staff member will be honored for their contributions with a public reception, where each will receive a personalized award and gift certificates. Their names will be listed on perpetual plaques to be displayed at the Hawai'i State Library. The library branches of the 2010 Public Librarian of the Year and Excellence in Service winners will receive gift certificates from Native Books Na Mea/Hawai`i and the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i. Each winner will also receive a personal cash award.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The nominees must be current, full-time employees of the Hawai'i State Public Library System for a minimum of four (4) years (including work as emergency hires or substitutes). All levels of personnel other than student helpers are eligible. In addition a Master of Library Science degree or branch manager status is required for Librarian of the year nominees. Previous winners, HSPLS retirees, and employees of Boarder’s are ineligible.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION
Outstanding customer service to the public
Dedication, enthusiasm, and excellence in the job
Promoting enjoyable library experiences
Promoting public libraries and their place in the community

Nominations are due by August 15, 2010. To submit your nomination, use the Nomination Form on the LOTY Brochure.

This mission of the Friends of the Library of Hawaii is to support and promote the public libraries in Hawai'i. Their primary objectives include:

To assist in maintaining free public libraries in the State of Hawai'i
To promote the extension of library services throughout the State of Hawai'i
To increase the facilities of the public library system of Hawaii by securing materials beyond the scope of the ordinary library budget
To award continuing education and scholarship grants
To focus attention on all public libraries
To encourage and accept by bequest or gift, donations of books, manuscripts, money, and other appropriate material that can enrich the cultural opportunities available to the people of Hawai'i.