Awards & Recognition

Honouring lifetimes of service to agricultural librarianship.

AALDI instituted a set of awards to recognise and encourage Life Members whose contributions have advanced the profession. Only Life Members of AALDI are eligible for the awards.

Common guidelines

Only Life Members of AALDI are eligible.
Every award carries the prefix 'AALDI' and suffix 'Year of Award' — e.g. AALDI …… Award-2026.
Each award is presented to a candidate in a category only once.
A panel constituted by the President evaluates applicants; scores determine the merit list.
Members may apply for up to two categories at a time.
Non-members found otherwise eligible may be considered by the President for special awards.

AALDI Life Time Achievement Award

Awarded to living Life Members of AALDI who have exhibited a lifetime of achievement in agricultural librarianship at the national level. May also be given posthumously. Presented annually at the AALDI Annual Conference.

Eligibility & rules

Nominees should have a minimum of 25 years of distinguished service.
For achievement in leadership, teaching and service — demonstrated through on-the-job performance, service beyond the job at state and national/international level, and service to AALDI (offices, committees, projects, meetings, publications).
Each nomination must include a letter of nomination and the nominee's resume.
Nominee's resume should detail education, work experience, service, publications, talks, and AALDI service.
Number of awards per year decided by the President with Executive Council approval.
Self-nominations are allowed. Unsuccessful nominations may be updated and resubmitted.
Nominations may be sent by email to the President with a copy to the Secretary.

AALDI Fellowship (FAALDI)

A highly competitive professional status awarded for peer recognition, career elevation and active industry contribution. The absolute highest honour bestowed upon a Life Member of AALDI — converting membership from standard to ELITE, with the right to use the post-nominal FAALDI.

Eligibility & rules

Outstanding Agricultural Librarians based on contribution to the development of agricultural librarianship or Association-building activity.
At least 50 years of age with significant contributions over 25 years in Library & Information Science.
Standing of 10 years as a Life Member of AALDI with a good publication record.
Self-Appraisal Report of 250 words (may form part of the citation).
Full biodata including all contributions in Agricultural Librarianship.
Self-assessment of excellence in publications (impact factor, citation indices).
Reprints / copies of 5 best publications.

AALDI Best Librarian Award

Recognizes outstanding Life Members who have made significant contributions through overall distinction or leadership in agricultural librarianship. Presented annually — the award carries a citation and a memento.

Eligibility & rules

Applicant should be a Life Member of AALDI.
Should be in service; age between 40 and 60/62 years as applicable.
Minimum of 5 years' service in any capacity in agricultural libraries at SAUs / ICAR / Central Agricultural Universities / ICAR-recognized Institutes.
Awarded only once per person.
Minimum of two awards every year — one for SAU Library and another for ICAR Library.
Self-nomination is permitted.
Supporting documents: nomination letter, current CV, and supporting letters from other librarians. May be sent through proper channel with advance copy to Secretary.