Minister's Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Public Library Service
Minister's Awards
2012 Minister's Award Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Minister's Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Public Library Service. The awards were presented by Deputy Minister Paul Whittaker, Municipal Affairs at the Alberta Library Conference on April 27, 2012.
The winners are:
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City of Edmonton Library Board - Excellence in a Larger Library For their "Library Services to Aboriginal Peoples" program. It is designed to develop relationships with the aboriginal communities in Edmonton and to involve the community in developing library services and programs. |
| L to R - Brent McDonough, Chair; Deputy Minister Whittaker; Linda Cook, CEO |
Strathcona County Library Board - Innovation in a Larger Library
For their “Low-Floor Bookmobile”. The new bookmobile is designed to promote accessibility, versatility and flexibility for county residents of all ages and abilities. The low-floor bookmobile allows individuals to access the bus by foot, stroller or wheelchair.
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| L to R - Diana Balbar, Bookmobile Coordinator; Deputy Minister Whittaker; Rob Butler, Chair |
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| L to R - Bob Bryant, Board Member; Deputy Minister Whittaker; Cathie MacDonald, Library Manager |
Town of Rocky Mountain House Library Board - Excellence in a Smaller Library
For their "Preserving Local History" program. As a result of its community needs assessment and planning process, Rocky Mountain House identified a value in preserving local history, particularly the role of David Thompson and the fur trade, through its collection. The board and staff carried the theme through the library renovation, displays, programs, and collections of art and artifacts.
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| L to R - Darrell MacDonald, Board Member; Deputy Minister Whittaker; Pamela Maloney, Chair |
City of Cold Lake Library Board - Innovation in a Smaller Library
For their “Teen Tech Squad: Teens Teaching Teens”. This program recognizes the need for youth activities in the city and develops technology, media, interpersonal and literacy skills.
Program Rules
Full program rules are available here.
The Idea: identify and share great service
In 2009, a committee of MLAs recommended, in the Framework for the Future report on the future of Alberta's libraries, that the Government of Alberta "designate public libraries that house innovative programs, services or technologies as centres of excellence", and "package and share their knowledge and expertise."
How to designate a centre of excellence? An award from our Minister responsible for public library services seemed like the biggest endorsement we could give. An awards program is a way to identify, acknowledge and encourage best practices, and to capture and communicate ideas that can be replicated by libraries across Alberta.
Great ideas deserve promotion
The applications from public library boards for the Minister's Awards have revealed many excellent programs and services in Alberta. Click here to see some great ideas that could be replicated at YOUR library!
