Past award recipients

The CLA Technology Professional Award acknowledges superior achievement by an individual in those areas of the library profession that encompass technology. The award honors those who have made significant contributions in areas of librarianship that have been especially challenged by the need for innovation and adaptation in dealing with rapidly changing technology.

A maximum of one award is given each year and honored at the CLA annual conference.

2025 Award Recipient

Gina Robinson, California Libraries Learn (CALL)

Gina Robinson has made outstanding contributions to libraries and technology through her leadership, innovation, and mentorship in her role as Senior Project Coordinator – Technology for California Libraries Learn (CALL). Since joining CALL in August 2021, Gina has been instrumental in improving digital access to professional development and continuing education opportunities to library staff statewide. She leads the development and management of CALL’s on-demand learning library, CALL Academy, which now includes over 900 training modules and over 6000 users. She also provides technical support for the CALL event calendar which aggregates thousands of learning opportunities. Gina ensures these resources are current, accessible, and widely used reporting on engagement and improving user experience through thoughtful curation and data analysis.

Gina’s work represents the best of what library technology leadership can be: innovative, collaborative, and people-centered. Her contributions have improved statewide access to professional development and continuing education, strengthened key library initiatives, and fostered a culture of support and inclusion. For these reasons, Gina is a highly deserving recipient of the 2025 CLA Technology Professional Award. 

Eligibility

• Applicants or nominees are required to be CLA members.  If unsure, please contact the CLA Office for assistance no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.
• Applicants or nominees must have worked for a portion of the past year in a California library.
• Nominators are not required to be CLA members. However, if a nomination is made by a non-member, the nomination must be endorsed by a CLA member. If you need assistance in finding a CLA member to endorse your nomination, please contact the Executive Director no later than two weeks prior to the deadline.

Submissions for the 2025 Award

The 2025 awards application/nomination period is now closed.

How to apply or nominate
The California library community is invited to apply or nominate a colleague for this award. Applicants or nominators should use the online application form below to submit a statement (of no more than 500 words) identifying the achievement(s) and briefly describing the impact of the achievement(s) on those areas of the library profession that encompass technology. Criteria for selection are outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas related to libraries and technology:

• leadership in professional associations at the local, state, regional, national, or international level;
• significant contributions to the development, application, or utilization of new or improved methods, techniques, and routines demonstrating creativity and innovation;
• significant contributions to the professional literature;
• significant studies or research.

Further Information

• The CLA Technology Professional Award is coordinated by CLA's Technology Interest Group(TIG).
• TIG may consider only those individuals who have been formally nominated for the award.
• TIG reserves the right not to give an award if a qualified candidate is not found.
• Award recipients will be asked to submit a photograph to be used in award publicity.
• If you have any questions about the award, please contact Julie Oborny.

2025 CLA Technology Professional Award Committee

• Jeffrey Davis, San Diego Public Library (Chair)
  
• Julie Oborny, San Jose Public Library