Dec. 5, 2005

State Librarian Nancy Robertson today announced that the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) is accepting nominations for a nationwide award recognizing libraries with exemplary consumer health information programs. The competition will be open until Jan. 31, 2006, to any type of library that provides health information or promotes healthy lifestyles. Libraries may submit an application by completing the form on the NCLIS Web site at http://awards.nclis.gov.

"Many Michigan libraries are doing an exceptional job of delivering health information to their customers, and we at the Library of Michigan encourage them to apply for this award," said Robertson.  "It's a wonderful opportunity to shine the spotlight on one of the ways that libraries serve as such a valuable community resource."

The first round of judging will be conducted at the state level by a panel of judges who will select a state winner.  Michigan's judges are Elaine Harrison, director of Public and Technical Services for the Library of Michigan; Barbara Platts, MLIS, AHIP, manager of Library Services for Munson Healthcare in Traverse City; and Tim Tobolic, M.D., of Byron Center, an affiliate of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

A task force of NCLIS commissioners will review the state winners and select 10 finalists, who each will receive a $1,000 prize. The finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. to receive their awards and participate in a forum at the National Library of Medicine on May 3, 2006.  Also on May 3, the grand-prize winner will be announced and awarded $20,000. A panel of three distinguished judges, each of whom has helped set national policy in the healthcare or library arenas, will select the winning program from among the 10 finalists. 

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office. 

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.