The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Virginia Library Association administers the VLA/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award, which is donated by SIRS, Inc.

The award will be presented every other year at the annual VLA conference to a recipient selected by the committee. The award consists of $500 and a plaque to the recipient and $500 to a library of the recipient's choice. The award will only be given in those years when the committee feels one is justified.

The first award was presented in November, 1993, to Harvey Eluto of Virginia Beach, a founder of Virginians Against Censorship. The second award was scheduled for Fall, 1995.

Anyone who is actively promoting intellectual freedom in Virginia is eligible for the award (including members of the VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee). Activities within the past five years are eligible. Nominations may be made by anyone in Virginia. Both individuals and groups are encouraged to nominate themselves.

Nominees will be judged on the role they have played in actively promoting intellectual freedom in their sphere of influence and beyond; on the degree to which they exemplify the spirit of intellectual freedom; and on the impact of their efforts to promote intellectual freedom and challenge censorship.

Each nomination should contain extensive support documentation including written, approved, and implemented policies and procedures relating to intellectual freedom, description of intellectual freedom programming activities; documented reports of the role the nominee has played in promoting intellectual freedom, and any other relevant information.