12. Professional prizes and awards
Library of the Year
Since 1996, the Library Department of the Ministry of Education and Culture annually calls for nominations for the Library of the Year award. The aim of this competition is to encourage libraries to renew and significantly improve the quality of their services in order to become an integral part of their local community. The proposals must be accompanied by supporting documents, such as users' feedback and evaluation. The grant can be awarded to any type of library.
The Library of the Year is selected by a committee representing the professional organisations. The award is presented by the Minister for Education and Culture during the annual library week in October.
Széchényi Ferenc prize
This prize, named after the founder of the National Library, is awarded to one or two professionals in the library, museum or archive fields for exceptionally high quality professional achievements.
Szinnyei József prize
This prize is awarded annually to six librarians for outstanding professional activity over a longer period of time, and for initiatives that considerably advanced the library field in Hungary.
Bibliotheca Commemorative Medal
This medal is awarded annually to ten librarians for excellence in library management, library sciences or good practice in library services.
Commemorative Medal of the Association of Hungarian Librarians
Since 1985, this medal has been one of the ways to recognise the value of the work done for the Association. The medal is awarded to five librarians - staff of the Association or other members who did voluntary work in the organisation of nation-wide campaigns and events - at the annual conference.
Young Librarian of the Year
Promoted jointly by the Association of Hungarian Librarians and the Alliance of Libraries and Information Institutes, this title is awarded annually to one librarian under the age of 33 for outstanding professional achievement.
