Nominating yourself for an award or asking a colleague to nominate you can feel like a “bit of an odd social conundrum where we are faced with the awkward thought of whether it’s ok for us to promote ourselves, when we (or at least I) try and maintain a balance between humility and confidence in what we do (Cynthia Leung)."

The theme of the 2024 annual conference is Lift Your Voice in the Library.  Nominating yourself or a colleague for an OELMA award is lifting your voice, lifting your voice to lead your library.

Leung cites four reasons why you should nominate yourself:

1. You know yourself and your accomplishments better than anyone else.

2. Leaving it to others to make the connection on how much you fit an award leaves the outcome of opportunity outside of your control.

3. Nominating yourself doesn’t mean you will win, but it does give you the fighting chance.

4. Nominating yourself puts you on other people’s radars and is great for networking.

Here is what Angie Jameson, recipient of the 2023 OELMA Tech Innovation Award, says about receiving her award:

“The Technology Innovation Award brought attention to the behind-the-scenes work I do. When the press release went out, I received warm notes of celebration from board members and some community members. As our district started down the path of how generative AI will impact our school, the recent award gave me the confidence to lead conversations about technology and innovation with stakeholders and decision-makers regarding this critical pivot in the information landscape.”

Amy Keister shares what receiving the OELMA Emerging Leader Award has meant to her as a professional:

“It was such an honor to be nominated for the Emerging Leader Award because it came from a colleague. I have always looked to OELMA members as my role models to learn and grow as a school librarian, and to know that an OELMA member saw me in that role meant the world to me. It also made my role in our district more visible to the community and the positive reaction from our community was heartwarming. So, please nominate someone you know or yourself! It's an amazing opportunity to be recognized and shine!”

To nominate yourself or a colleague, visit the OELMA website.  Read the criteria for the award in which you have an interest, complete the nomination form, and submit it by April 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m.  The award checklist will assist you in crafting the rationale for nomination.

The Awards Committee looks forward to receiving your nomination.  If you have questions, please reach out to oelma.awards@gmail.com

Sincerely the Awards Committee,

Lisa Gallagher

Heidi Fletcher

Casaundra Bronner

Kris Konik

Cheryl Lorson

Susan Yutzey