Asian Pacific American Award

History of the APAA
Founded in 1980 as the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
Became part of the American Library Association (ALA) in 1982
Branched off from the Asian American Librarians Caucus (AALC)
A nonprofit organization

Purpose of APALA
To provide a forum for discussing problems of APA librarians.
To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas by APA librarians with other librarians.
To support and encourage library services to APA communities.
To recruit and mentor APA librarians in the library/information science professions.
To seek funding for scholarships in library/information science masters programs for APAs.
To provide a vehicle whereby APA librarians can cooperate with other associations and organizations having similar or allied interests.


According to http://www.apalaweb.org/about/aboutapala.htm

APALA Awards
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
Honors work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage on both literary and artistic merit
Three awards for illustrations in a picture book, youth literature and adult books


APALA Awards
Scholarship Award
Gives a student of Asian/Pacific background financial support
Must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree
Must be working towards a degree in library and/or information science at a library school accredited by the ALA

APALA 2008 Award Winners
Adult Non-Fiction
Driven Out: The Forgotten War Against Chinese Americans By: Jean Pfaelzer
Illustration in Children Literature
Surfer of the Centruy By: Ellie Crowe, Illustrated by: Richard Waldrep
Young Adult Literature
Hiroshima Dreams By: Kelly Easton


Eligibility Requirements
These are a few of the several requirements for eligibility to receive the APALA award:
Works must be related to Asian/Pacific Heritage, not necessarily written by or illustrated by an Asian/Pacific American. The individual must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Anthologies or books containing the work of more than one author are not eligible.
Works must be originally written in English.
Works must have been published by a large publishing house, trade or small press/publisher located in the United States or one of its territories. Self-published works and exclusive internet publications are not eligible.

Who Decides?
Nominating Committee
Committee Charge: To nominate candidates for elective offices of APALA. The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least three past APALA presidents. The immediate past president shall be appointed chair.
The Literary Awards Committee
Committee Charge: To solicit nominations, review and vote for an award each for Adult Fiction, Illustration in Children's Literature, and Youth Literature.