Every year we hold a "Night of Honors" to present the awards to the recipients. We've also begun recognizing retirees, particularly those who have done extensive service in SLA. This event has been held in the late fall but because it runs so closely to our Holiday Party, we'll be moving it to Spring in 2009 to balance the two big networking events of the year.
Grieg Aspnes Memorial Award - $2,000.00 for College of St. Catherine's MLIS student who best shows the following characteristics: Interest in special librarianship, as shown by course selection or past experience; Leadership abilities, demonstrated in either academic or extracurricular activities; Overall academic achievements.
SLA Annual Conference Grant - $1000 scholarship to subsidize the cost of a "Full Member" (not a student) attending the Annual Conference. Qualifications are demonstrate that attending the conference would be a financial burden otherwise; agree to write an article for the chapter newsletter about their experiences; and be able to serve on the Awards Committee for the entire year following the receipt of their award.
Professional Development Grant - To encourage and enable professionals in the SLA Minnesota Chapter to participate in continuing education/professional events by awarding grants to be used for event registration or class fee, and any required materials or necessary travel expenses. This could also be used to allow out-state members to come to the cities for a meeting. One in April and one in September $250 limit per award.
Innovation in Action Award - recognizes an information professional or team of information professionals who has initiated and implemented new processes or programs to enhance their own information organizations or who has enhanced the profession through chapter activities. The winner is awarded $100.00.
Presidents' Award - In 2007 the Minnesota Chapter created this award to be given on to a long-standing member in recognition for their contributions to both the Chapter and the profession. The current Chapter President, President-Elect and Past-President can decide when to present this award - it need not be an annual award.
