The Association recognises, through the conferring of awards, the professional leadership, vision, innovation, publications, research and collaboration of its members and those whose work influences the development of literacy, and in particular, information, digital, critical and creative literacy.  

SLANSW  awards include the:

John Hirst Award

John H Lee Memorial Award

SLANSW Teacher Librarian of the Year Award

Maurice Saxby Award

Nominations are open for the 2020 Awards. Descriptions of each award, the selection criteria and nominations forms are listed below. The 2020 Awards will be announced and conferred at the SLANSW Conference on 13th March 2021 at The King's School, Parramatta.

Nomination forms with supporting documentation must be emailed to the

Executive Officer via info@slansw.net.au by 5.00pm, Friday 20th November, 2020.

John Hirst Award

The John Hirst Award honours the memory of the Association’s founder, John Hirst, who had a vision and a passionate drive to establish the primary place of libraries in every NSW school. This award recognises excellence in professional leadership and/or service by an Association member who is either ateacher librarian or who supports school libraries in New South Wales. 
The SLANSW Committee reserves the right not to confer this award in any year.

 Download selection criteria (pdf) and nomination form (Word doc)

John H Lee Memorial Award

The John H Lee Memorial Award is presented to an individual or a school team in recognition of innovation in learning and teaching practice in a school or schools through learning technologies. Any demonstration of innovative teaching practice must have occurred within the two years prior to the award being conferred.
The SLANSW Committee reserves the right not to confer this award in any year.

 Download selection criteria (pdf) and nomination form (Word doc)

SLANSW Teacher Librarian of the Year Award

The SLANSW Teacher Librarian of the Year is awarded to a teacher librarian or team of teacher librarians in recognition of their outstanding contribution to teaching and learning in their school and their engagement with the school library community.
The SLANSW Committee reserves the right not to confer this award in any year.

 Download selection criteria (pdf) and nomination form (Word doc)

Maurice Saxby Award

The Maurice Saxby Award for service to children's and/or young adult literature is awarded to a person/s or organisation that has displayed excellence and passion in promoting reading and/or writing for young people in NSW.
The SLANSW Committee reserves the right not to confer this award in any year.

 Download selection criteria (pdf) and nomination form (Word doc)