The Twila Ann Janssen Herr Research Award for Disability Services is a biennial award up to $5000 that aims to provide an early career LIS practitioner with the opportunity to research or undertake a project, which may include travel, in the area of library and information services for people with a disability.
The award honours Twila Ann Janssen Herr FALIA (1946-2007), Tasmanian librarian, library educator, and a respected member of the Australian library and information services community. Twila worked tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence in library and information services, in particular services to those with a disability, the disadvantaged and senior citizens.
Purpose
The award aims to encourage research and/or projects that:
- explore the potential for further development of existing Australian services for people with a disability; and/or
- investigate the use of emerging technologies in the provision of services for people with a disability; and/or
- increase the knowledge and skills of practising library and information professionals in services for people with a disability.
The successful recipient is required to:
- prepare a comprehensive report which may be published in an appropriate ALIA publication. Any publications describing work that has been wholly or partially supported by an ALIA research award will make due acknowledgement of such support.
- present the report to the ALIA Research Advisory Committee within 12 months of the date of completion of the award. If this deadline cannot be met the recipient will advise the ALIA Research Advisory Committee within three months, of the reasons for the delay and the proposed submission date of the report.
- make a presentation on the completed research and outcomes at an appropriate ALIA conference or event and be prepared to assume all costs associated with attendance at such an event.
Eligibility
This self-nominating award is open to personal financial members of ALIA early in their career and practising in the sector.
Nominations are to be made on the form provided and may be lodged either electronically or in hard copy. Nominations will be considered by the ALIA Research Advisory Committee for recommendation to the Board of Directors.
Resources:
Ethics forms for completion when requested by the ALIA Research Advisory Committee:
Due to the ongoing challenges of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the award was not granted in 2022. The award will recommence in 2023.