School Library Journal has launched the 2014 School Librarian of the Year Award sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing. The School Librarian of the Year Award honors a K–12 school library professional for outstanding achievement and the exemplary use of 21st-century tools and services to engage children and teens toward fostering multiple literacies. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash award, plus $2,500 worth of print and digital materials from Scholastic Library Publishing and will be profiled in a feature article in the September 2014 issue of SLJ. Two finalists will each receive $500 in materials of their choice from Scholastic Library Publishing and be featured with the winner on SLJ.com. Applicants will be judged by a panel of school librarians, SLJ editors, Scholastic Library Publishing staff, a classroom teacher, and a school administrator on the following criteria:

• Exemplary service to fulfill the needs of students and school community
• Creativity in programming and use of content
• Collaboration with teacher peers, staff, and administrators
• Effective integration of library services with curricula
• Demonstrated student engagement
• Exemplary use of technology tools
• Outreach to parents, families
• Effective promotion of the library and what it offers

In order to be eligible, applicants must meet state requirements for school library media certification and be currently employed in a media specialist, teacher librarian, or equivalent position. He or she can be working in either a public or private school at a site level. Supervisors or managers of library programs (including at a district or regional level) are not eligible. Nominations close May 23, and winners announced July 1. For questions regarding the submission process, contact SLJ's Kathy Ishizuka: kishizuka@mediasourceinc.com.