The LIASA - Sabinet Influential Library Leader Award, previously known as the Executive Librarian of the year Award, is aimed at recognising the captains of the LIS profession; the powerhouses who are currently inspiring and building a legacy, not only for themselves but also for all LIS practitioners. 

This individual should have made an extensive contribution to the profession in the LIS sector with a minimum of 15 years’ experience. Their contribution can be at any level of the profession, including operational, management or academic. Such individuals must have a proven track record of mentorship as well as strong evidence of leadership.

This award is aimed at later career librarians and information workers, therefore nominees are expected to be older than 50 years (50 + 1 day) at the time of nomination.

Selection Criteria

All nominees will be evaluated on the following criteria. The nominee should:

• Be a current LIASA individual, paid-up member for a minimum of 10 consecutive years
• Have a recognised LIS qualification
• Currently be engaged in the LIS sector with a minimum of 15 years in the LIS field
• Be older than 50 years (50 + 1 day) of age at the time of nomination
• Have made an extensive contribution in the LIS sector
• Have a proven track record of mentorship
• Display strong evidence of leadership
• Must act as an ambassador for LIASA and Sabinet, the sponsor, during their year of reign
• LIASA and Sabinet reserve the right not to confer an award

Eligibility

The following groups of people are not eligible for this award:

• LIASA Executive Committee members,
• LIASA staff,
• sponsoring companies’ staff,
• past winners of this award
• any person who has won any LIASA award in the past 7 years.

The following groups of people are eligible for this award:

• Members of the Representative Council, other than members of the LIASA Executive Committee
• Branch and Interest Group Executive Committees
• All other paid-up LIASA members who meet the criteria.