The I Love My Librarian Award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians.
Each year up to 10 librarians are selected. Each honoree receives a $5,000 cash award in recognition of their outstanding service to their community. They will be honored at an award ceremony during the the American Library Association’s 2026 Annual Conference in Chicago and will receive complimentary conference registration and a travel stipend as part of their prize package.
Since its inception in 2008, library supporters nationwide submitted more than 24,000 nominations for their librarians. A total of 170 librarians have received the award to date.
Each nominee must be a librarian with a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association in library and information studies or a master’s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Nominees for the 2026 award must be currently working in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or at at library at an accredited K-12 school, or have been working at one of these institutions as of March 1, 2025.
The I Love My Librarian Award is generously sponsored by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation (formerly Carnegie Corporation of New York), with additional support from the New York Public Library. The award is administered by the American Library Association, the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities.
The criteria for this award are a support person who best exemplifies customer service and outstanding performance in assisting faculty and students with operational and technical support in the delivery of distance learning.
Is strongly customer service oriented for faculty and students when solving technical issues.
Creates an environment of listening to determine the faculty and student needs and issues when troubleshooting the delivery of online courseware.
Exhibits strong analysis and problem-solving skills and a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
Possesses a thorough knowledge of educational technology.
Actively seeks input into the support process to improve the use of instructional technology.
The Brice G. Hobrock Distinguished Faculty Award was established by the Friends of K-State Libraries to honor Dean Emeritus Hobrock upon his retirement in 2004. Annually, the award recognizes outstanding librarianship and superior accomplishments among the K-State Libraries faculty.
Nominees are evaluated based on their professional activities during the last two years. One recipient is honored with a plaque of recognition and an award of $1,000 sponsored by the Friends of the K-State Libraries.
