The Envelope, Please!

Abstract

The Envelope, Please! Sara Dreyfuss (bio) and Marianne Ryan (bio) Like many professions, librarianship has an array of awards and honors that recognize the efforts of its members. The American Library Association (ALA), for example, bestows some 200 awards, prizes, citations, and scholarships each year. The ALA says that the winners, chosen by juries of their colleagues and peers, "embody the best of the profession's leadership, vision, and service as well as a continued commitment to diversity, equality, education, and outreach."1 Some recognitions highlight a singular accomplishment of the recipient or recipients; others can be better described as lifetime achievement awards, designed to acknowledge one's contributions across a storied career. The association hands out so many prizes that Blaise Cronin once wrote, "Pay your dues, stay sober, keep your hand out of the till, and you should get some kind of ALA award before the sun sets on your career."2 We cite this observation not to diminish the worthiness of these awards but rather to evince that the association is broadly committed to celebrating members of the library profession. State library groups, other library organizations, and editorial boards also confer awards to acknowledge the achievements of exceptional librarians. Among them is the Berkeley Division of the Librarians Association of the University of California, which bestows an annual Distinguished Librarian Award.3 Library Journal grants a Librarian of the Year Award to "honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments reflecting the loftiest service goals of the library profession."4 Library Journal also publishes an annual list of Movers and Shakers, "a group of individuals who are moving the library field forward as a profession."5 The Importance of Recognition Professional awards and honors are especially significant for a field like librarianship, where it can be difficult to assess accomplishments and successes. Few librarians compile a win-loss record, a vote total, or other metrics by which to measure their achievements. Yet being liked and respected by others is a strong desire in many of us and essential for most people's happiness. William James wrote to his students at Radcliffe College, "The deepest principle of Human Nature is the craving to be appreciated."6 If people are recognized, they feel not only happier but also more motivated. Peer recognition, [End Page 267] the appreciation of colleagues for a job well done, is especially meaningful. It brings an increased level of pride and validation and shows that people in your field have noticed your efforts and contributions. Beyond personal gratification, awards and honors can be important professionally. For example, candidates for promotion or tenure at most educational institutions are expected to show proof of recognition for their work. Such evidence might include journal publications, conference proceedings, and academic or professional honors and awards. Awards and honors also help a profession to grow and advance. They can boost confidence, spark a career, and motivate others to improve their own performance. Awards enable those inside and outside the profession to see what has been achieved and what its members value. The lives and accomplishments of award winners serve as role models and provide a road map to success. Mentoring and networking may occur among winners, creating long-lasting professional relationships and providing new opportunities to give back to the profession. The portal Best Article Award An editorial reflecting upon the first 20 years of portal: Libraries and the Academy notes that that the journal was launched when "a band of librarian-scholars decided to buck the existing journal publishing system to create something different and better." One goal of the fledgling journal was "to provide a more inviting and supportive environment for authors."7 In keeping with that goal, portal decided to honor the author of the best article appearing in its pages each year. The portal Editorial Board announced the first award for best article of the year in 2005.8 The Process of Choosing the Best Article The process of choosing the best article begins each year in November, after release of the final issue of the volume under consideration. portal's editor appoints a Best Article Award Committee comprised of members of the portal Editorial...