Hugh C. Atkinson (1933Æ1986) has been appropriately eulogized as ña man for all seasons.î In Illinois, his contributions to librarianship reached far beyond the University of Illinois to enhance and enrich library service in all types of settings and situations. His talents touched many aspects of the profession including automation, library advocacy, space management, and collection accessibility. Some of Mr. Atkinson's most significant efforts were directed toward establishing a climate of multitype library cooperation in Illinois. Due in large part to his influence, Illinois has garnered national recognition in this important area. Therefore, a citation and award recognizing and encouraging statewide interlibrary cooperation was created to provide an appropriate living memorial to Hugh's innovative leadership.

As a supplier to the nation's libraries for more than eighty years, Demco is committed to recognizing excellence in libraries and library service. This award pays respect to Hugh Atkinson's contribution benefiting all libraries and library users.

Rationale
The award shall be made annually for sustained activity and contributions having a lasting impact on librarianship. The recipient may be an individual, a group, a program, or an institution.

Eligibility
The award recipient must meet the criteria outlined. Individuals need not be librarians or ILA members, nor groups associated with ILA or with any specific library organization. Programs may have originated in any institution or organization with or without library affiliation, and an award-winning organization may be a library, a library system or consortium, or a non-library organization.

Selection Process
The ILA Awards Committee will make selection of recipient from nominations submitted to the ILA office before the deadline when the nominations are closed. Only one nomination is necessary for the award to be made; however, the Awards Committee is responsible for determining whether or not the nominee meets the criteria of the award. In the event that no deserving nominations are received, the ILA Awards Committee members may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
To be considered for this award, activities or contributions relating to multitype library cooperation and/or resource-sharing should meet one or more of the following standards:

• evidence of a sustained effort over a period of years;
• contribution should be of a permanent quality; and
• performance should serve as a model for similar programs.

The written statement of support should be based on the above criteria. Attach newspaper clippings or other forms of documentation, if available, to this application.

Award Winners
The recipient will receive a formal citation and $500 financial award.

Sponsor Contact
John Ison
DEMCO
1907 Trout Valley Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
phone: (608) 241-1201
phone: 800-356-1200
fax: (608) 241-1799
e-mail: johni@demco.com

DEMCO presents check; ILA pays for certificate.