The OELMA Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award honors the life and contributions of Dr. Todd, a professor of library and information science at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He was recognized, up until his death in 2022, as an award-winning expert on the transformative role of school libraries. In 2003 and 2004, Todd and his co-author, SC&I Distinguished Professor Emerita Carol Kuhlthau, received a “Certificate of Appreciation for Notable Service and Significant Service to Ohio’s School Libraries” from OELMA for their leading-edge study “Student Learning Through Ohio School Libraries, Part 1 and Part 2.” The purpose of this award is to recognize and encourage collaboration and partnerships between school library media specialists and the school community through joint planning of a program, project, or event in support of the curriculum, using school library resources and incorporating Ohio’s Library Guidelines for Librarians (2021).

Multiple recipients may receive the OELMA Ross J. Todd Collaborative School Library Award.  The recipients receive a framed commemorative certificate at the OELMA annual conference.  Each recipient's name will be announced through the OELMA listserv, website and social media.