OELMA is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals who contribute their knowledge, talent, creativity, and energy toward the promotion and development of the educational library/media profession in Ohio. OELMA annually presents awards to members who reflect the excellence of the organization and the profession and shine in the spotlight as distinguished and outstanding educators.

As an OELMA member, this is your opportunity to bestow honor upon deserving colleagues. Nomination forms are available from the OELMA Office or the OELMA web page. Nomination forms must be returned to the OELMA Office by no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 15th. No Late Applications will be accepted. All awards and scholarships are presented at the Annual Conference, unless noted otherwise.

Click Here for a Printable Application or use the Online Submission Form

Award Descriptions

Administrator-of-the-Year Award recognizes an Ohio school administrator, who has made significant contributions to the planning, implementation, and/or support of school library programs, resulting in improved program quality and increased student learning. 

OELMA's Award-of-Merit recognizes an Ohio certified library media specialist who has made outstanding contributions to school librarianship. The honoree has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the school library profession, while serving in OELMA leadership roles.

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes OELMA members who have recently assumed an OELMA leadership role for the first time. This Award honors members who demonstrate leadership potential and encourages members’ active participation in OELMA.  

OELMA's Intellectual Freedom Award recognizes Ohio school library media specialists and/or other Ohio educators who demonstrate support for the American Library Association’s principles of intellectual freedom. Award recipients exhibit a strong commitment to First Amendment values through the active promotion of -- and defense of -- the freedom to read and ALA's principles of intellectual freedom. 

The Libraries of Distinction - District Category Award recognizes Ohio's exemplary District school library programs, which are staffed   by full-time, certified school library/media specialists.

The Libraries of Distinction - School Category Award recognizes Ohio's exemplary building-level school libraries, which are staffed by a full-time, certified school library/media specialists. 

OELMA/Follett Library Resources School Librarian-of-the-Year Award recognizes an Ohio certified library media specialist, who develops an exemplary school library program, collaborates with classroom teachers, implements technology-integrated instruction, demonstrates educational leadership, and advocates for school libraries.

Scholarship Descriptions

J. Allen Oakum Scholarship is $ 500 stipend awarded to an Ohio resident enrolled in an accredited library school program, who's pursuing certification in school library/media. This scholarship is intended to help defray educational costs for future library media specialists as they complete their studies.

The OELMA Scholarship is up to $ 1,000 stipend awarded to an Ohio resident enrolled in an accredited library school program, who's pursuing certification in school library/media. This scholarship is intended to help defray educational costs for future library media specialists as they complete their studies.

Congratulations to the 2012 OELMA Award Recipients

INFOhio Hugh Durbin Leadership Award
Paula Baco

INFOhio Spencer White Service Award
Karen Coy and Trish Baker

Award of Merit
Vicky Schmarr

OELMA Scholarship
Shari Wickline

Emerging Leader
Angela Wojtecki and Nancy Boone

OELMA/Follett Library Resources School Librarian of the Year
Jan Warden

OELMA Library of Distinction Award
Springboro Jr. High School

President's Award
Dr. Barbara Schloman