ASLA SCHOOL LIBRARY ADVOCATE AWARD

We encourage principals, professional colleagues, and members of the school community to recommend and support outstanding early career Teacher Librarians to nominate for these awards.

This national award is open to any school staff member, including library staff, teachers and principals, to recognise a dedicated individual who advocates for their school library and has made a positive contribution to their school community and beyond.

The nominee will need to be able to demonstrate their contribution to their school community, wider networks and engagement with professional learning.

NOMINATIONS OPEN: NOW
CLOSING DATE: 27 Feb 2026, 12:00 PM (AEDT)

Download the SLA 2026 award terms and conditions

Nominee Requirements

• ASLA Membership is not required.
• All nominees must be a resident in Australia.
• Must be employed at an Australian school.
• Contact details for two referees must be supplied (One must be the principal, or if the nominee is a principal, a suitable alternative referee must be provided e.g., deputy principal, library manager, or other school leader).

Additional Requirements

Individuals must provide a Statement of Achievement (up to 500 words) that includes specific examples addressing how they have:

• Advocated for the library and engaged within the school community and wider networks
• Engaged with professional learning (including participation in or contribution to PLD, and its impact on their own or others’ practice)

Additional supporting evidence is accepted with all nominations.

Awardee obligation
The award recipient will be required to submit a report to the ASLA Board outlining the professional learning experiences facilitated by the award.

Consent

Award recipients grant ASLA permission to publish their details (including name, image, and award details) through ASLA’s website, social media, and publications, including future communications related to the award.

Prize

• Complimentary 12-month Personal Professional Membership to ASLA.
  This cannot be exchanged or used in any other way or by any other person.
• A $1,000 professional learning grant.
  To be paid by electronic funds transfer to an Australian bank account, as nominated by the winner.
• A trophy and certificate.
  Presented at the ASLA AGM or by alternate arrangement.

Submit a nomination here

For any questions, please email awards.team@asla.org.au