Awards

GSLIS Student Awards

At GSLIS Convocation in May of each year, a number of awards are presented to graduating students. Read descriptions of each award or a list of past recipients.

Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award

Given annually, the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award acknowledges individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of intellectual freedom, particularly as it impacts libraries and information centers and the dissemination of ideas. Granted to those who have resisted censorship or efforts to abridge the freedom of individuals to read or view materials of their choice, the award may be in recognition of a particular action or long-term interest in, and dedication to, the cause of intellectual freedom. The award was established in 1969 by the GSLIS faculty to honor Robert Downs, a champion of intellectual freedom, on his 25th anniversary as director of the School. Read about past recipients or learn how to nominate someone for the Downs Award.

The Gryphon Award

Sponsored by The Center for Children's Books, the Gryphon Award is given annually in recognition of an English language work of fiction or non-fiction for which the primary audience is children in Kindergarten through Grade 4. The title chosen best exemplifies those qualities that successfully bridge the gap in difficulty between books for reading aloud to children and books for practiced readers. The Gryphon award was conceived as a way to focus attention an area of literature for youth that, despite being crucial to the successful transition of new readers to independent lifelong readers, does not get the critical recognition it deserves. Read about past recipients or learn how to submit a book for consideration.

LSAA Awards

The Library School Alumni Association gives the following four awards, which are presented each year at the GSLIS and LSAA Alumni Reception during the ALA Annual Conferences. Awards are given in the following categories: Distinguished Alumnus Award, Distinguished Service Award, Leadership Award, and Student Award.

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