The Metcalfe Award recognises high achievement by an ALIA Personal Member in their first five years of practice in libraries and information services. Achievement would be commensurate with experience and should show a contribution beyond the normal requirements of the nominee's employment. This may include but not be limited to initiative, a commitment to innovation in practice, and leadership.
The Metcalfe Award commemorates John Metcalfe and his contribution to librarianship and library education. John Metcalfe was New South Wales State Librarian before he became University Librarian of the University of New South Wales. He gained an international reputation through his writings and initiatives. He established the Australian Institute of Librarians, later to be renamed the Library Association of Australia and served a term as president of each. He was instrumental in the establishment of library education in Australia.
This award is peer-nominated.
Previous winners can be found in the ALIA Honours Board ‘Who’s Who’ of the Association; ALIA Honours Board: A-F, G-M, and N-Z.