This award was established in 1995, sponsored by the Reaching Forward Conference of Library Assistants, in honor of Tobi Oberman and Tom Rich, who were instrumental in developing the Reaching Forward Conference for library support staff.

Rationale
The award recognizes the contributions of a support staff member to the library community and to the role of support staff in libraries.

Eligibility
Open to support staff working in all types of libraries. Persons may nominate themselves or others.

Selection Process
Letters of nomination will be accepted from May 1, 2007ÆMarch 1, 2008. A panel of judges will be selected from the Reaching Forward Committee and will be responsible for choosing the recipient. The panel must work with the nominations received in accordance with the established timetable; in the event that no deserving nominations are received, panel members may not then nominate a recipient.

Criteria
A one page or less letter completing the statement, ñWhy I would like to attend Reaching Forwardî or ñWhy I think___________ deserves to attend Reaching Forwardî should be submitted to the selection committee.

Award Winners
The recipient(s) will receive free registration to Reaching Forward, $50 for expenses and a framed certificate.

Sponsor Contact
Illinois Library Association
Reaching Forward: Forum for Library Support Staff
33. W. Grand Ave., Suite 301
Chicago, IL 60654
phone: (312) 644-1896
fax: (312) 644-1899
e-mail: ila@ila.org

Reaching Forward presents its own award; ILA presents check.