The OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award recipient will be selected from applicants and nominees who meet the following criteria:

• OELMA membership is preferred, but not required

• Employed as an Ohio school library media specialist or in another Ohio educator role

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to First Amendment values through the active promotion and defense of the Freedom to Read and ALA’s Principles of Intellectual Freedom

Nominator:

1. Complete and upload the OELMA Awards Nominator Form Part A which requires a 250-word rationale for the nomination that speaks to the OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award Checklist.

2. Contact the nominee and inform them to complete and upload the OELMA Awards Nominee Form Part B by the deadline.

Nominee:

1. Complete and upload the OELMA Awards Nominee Form Part B which requires a 500-word statement that speaks to the criteria outlined in the OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award Checklist.

2. Upload a photograph of the nominee (jpg or gif format).

3. Additional documents such as a resume, video, and/or letter(s) of recommendation from colleague(s) and/or supervisors that explain how the nominee meets the criteria outlined in the OELMA Intellectual Freedom Award Checklist are encouraged.

If you are self-nominating, complete and upload the OELMA Awards Nominee Form Part B and upload a photograph (jpg or gif format).  Additional documents described above are encouraged.

Late materials will not be accepted.  All application materials must be submitted to OELMA using the online application form by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. You will be able to upload supporting materials to the online form.