Victorian Library and Information Award

Launched in 2025, the Victorian Library and Information Award (VLIA or the Award) will be presented annually by ALIA Victoria (“ALIAVic”) to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the library and information profession in Victoria. The award honours individuals for exceptional achievements, innovation, and commitment to advancing library and information services in Victoria. It aligns with ALIA’s mission to empower the profession through leadership, advocacy, and the delivery of quality services.

Award Terms of Reference 
Award Judging Panel Terms of Reference

What are we looking for?

We are looking for nominees who, in the last twelve months, have excelled in one or more of the below categories. If nominated in more than one category an explanation must be given for each nominated category. However, a nominee only needs to be nominated in one category. 

  • Demonstrated leadership in the development or delivery of library services and programs 
  • Significant contribution to the advancement of the library and information sector, through research, mentorship, publishing, advocacy, collaboration, or community engagement/outreach 
  • Implementation of new technologies or other innovations to improve library services or processes
  • Creative marketing and promotions of library programs, services, or events
  • Demonstrating initiative toward sustainability within a library

Eligibility

  • The VLIA is open for nomination to any individual in the library and information profession, or professional research in Victoria, and who is a financial member of ALIA (personal or institutional).
  • Current sitting members of the ALIAVic Committee (the Committee) and members of the judging panel are ineligible for nomination.
  • Nominees must have made significant contributions that have had a positive impact on the library and information profession, either through innovative practices, notable projects, exceptional leadership, or other relevant achievements.
  • ALIAVic reserves the right to not present an award in any given year if there are no eligible nominees or if the nominated recipients are not judged to be worthy of the award

Conditions of entry

  1. Nominations are sought from all LIS sectors in Victoria
  2. Nominations must be submitted via the nomination from, and should:
        - Clearly indicate the selection criterion/criteria being addressed
        - Describe the activities undertaken to meet the given categories
        - Provide a statement of support from the nominator(s)
  3. The selection process will comprise:
        - A review for eligibility & suitability
        - Final decisions to be made by a judging panel appointed by the ALIA Victoria Committee.
  4. The decisions made by the judging panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The Award 

  • A perpetual trophy created by Olivia O’Connor
  • A voucher for year's personal ALIA membership, or the equivalent discount off an ALIA conference in the year ahead
  • Formal recognition on the ALIA website, in ALIA News, and in the ALIA Annual Report. 

Previous Winners

2025 – Pru Mitchell