BACKGROUND In December 1992, the LIBRAS membership established the Melvin R. George Award. The Award honors Melvin R. George, second president of LIBRAS. He along with the other LIBRAS founding directors, by their example, have made a significant contribution to the development of interlibrary cooperation. The award consists of a certificate of recognition, and a plaque which will be arranged by the president. The president will initiate requests to the membership for annual nominations in September of each year. Guidelines for the nomination and selection of each year's recipient follow.

PURPOSE: To honor Melvin R. George and other LIBRAS founders who, by their example, have made a significant contribution to the development of interlibrary cooperation through the establishment of LIBRAS.

RECIPIENT: The award is given annually in December to a LIBRAS library, librarian, or other individual currently or previously affiliated with LIBRAS who has made a significant contribution within LIBRAS to library service with special emphasis on library cooperation. A recipient can only receive the award once.

• Active involvement in LIBRAS, evidenced by attendance at meetings, participation in committees, or other support for LIBRAS.
• Positive contributions to interlibrary cooperation.
• Positive influence on library colleagues, support staff and the academic community.
• Notable leadership, both in LIBRAS and the library community at large.
• Supportive concern for new members of the profession.

The Award Committee will be responsible for asking each nominee to complete the "Nomination for Recognition" form.  After the Award Committee has made their selection, they will submit the name of the recipient to the President of LIBRAS, who will then inform that individual of the award.