Each year USLA proudly recognizes 3 outstanding Utah school employees who have contributed significant time and effort to their school libraries. Nominations open a few months before our annual conference in March, and the award winners are recognized during the general meeting. Nominations for the 2026 award will be open from September 1st to December 15th. If you want to nominate someone who has inspired you, click here. If you are looking for some tips while nominating, visit this website for some guidance.
Award Categories
- Teacher librarian of the year: This is an award that recognizes exceptional school librarians that have made a difference at their school, fostering the growth and literacy of students. Certified applicants are required to meet state requirements for certification and must be currently employed as media specialists, teacher librarians, or an equivalent role. This teacher can be nominated from a public or private school at a site level. Teacher Librarian Nomination Form
- Library Paraprofessional of the Year: This award can be given to any honors paraprofessionals currently working in school libraries. They must be employed as assistants, media clerks, or equivalent roles. Nominees for this award are not required to be certified with the State Endorsement of Library Media. Library Paraprofessional Nomination Form
- Administrator of the year: This award honors administrators such as principals or district level supervisors that have responsibilities for a school or group of schools. These administrators are selected based on their unique and sustained contributions to effective school library programs, helping students, teachers, and librarians flourish. Administrator Nomination Form
Judging and Criteria
A panel comprised of USLA board members and conference board members will judge nominees based on the following criteria:
- Exemplary service in meeting the needs of students, staff, and community
- Creative approaches to content utilization and programming
- Excellent collaboration and teamwork with teacher peers, staff, and administrators
- Effective integration of library services into school curriculum
- Engaged with students, parents, and families in order to help students grow and get the support they need
- Implementation of technological tools to help educate
- Successful promotion of library resources and offerings
Past Award Recipients
| Teacher Librarian of the year | Paraprofessional of the year | Administrator of the year | |
| 2023 | Shanna Lewis | Lynae Puckett | Christine Durst |
| 2022 | Shelly Hamilton | Sarah Stevenson | Nick Harris |
| 2021 | Bill Goodrich | Britteny Candelaria | Heather Hardy |
| 2020 | Amy Jamison | Jessica Smith | James Wilson |
| 2019 | Erin Heywood | Crystal Hopkins | Carolyn Gough |
| 2018 | Michelle Asay | Kari Gibson | Tiffany Hall |
| 2017 | Lori Gilman | Joann Topham | Aaron Hogge |
| 2016 |