Mission Statement and Bylaws
Mission Statement
The UGA Libraries established the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame to recognize Georgia writers, past and present, whose work reflects the character of the state—its land and its people.
Administered by the Hargrett Library, Georgia’s largest collection of books by and about Georgia and Georgians, the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame is based on a public nomination process. The selection of Hall of Fame honorees from among the nominees will be the responsibility of a Board of Judges composed of at least twelve distinguished Georgians with an interest and/or career-related experience in literature and letters. The Board of Judges will selects two living and one posthumous writer for induction into the Hall of Fame each year.
Along with honoring the authors whose works constitute our state's rich literary heritage, the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame program focuses statewide attention on the University and further establishes the institution as a major proponent of Georgia literature. The program will provide avenues for public outreach, as well as encouraging interaction and participation among writers, librarians, and readers.
Bylaws of the Board of Judges
Membership of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame Board of Judges
The University Librarian of the University of Georgia Libraries shall solicit members for a Board of Judges, a committee of 15-20 members, including as ex officio members the following:
- University Librarian of the University of Georgia Libraries
- Director of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library
- Director of the UGA Press
- Editor of the Georgia Review
Appointed members of the Board of Judges shall be appointed by the University Librarian and shall serve upon the Board for and during the period of three (3) years with the possibility of a second period of service.
In addition, living inductees shall be automatically tendered appointments as ex officio members of the Board of Judges for a period of three (3) years.
Meetings of the Board of Judges
The Board of Judges shall gather annually in November to select the next year’s inductees.
During the annual business meeting, the Board of Judges shall elect two living and one posthumous inductee to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame. The University Librarian shall act as chair at these meetings for the purpose of organizing discussion.
Nomination and Election of Inductees
Nominations must be received by July 15th to be considered for that year’s honors. However, once accepted, all eligible names remain in consideration for subsequent years. A list of nominees is available on the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame website.
The threshold requirements shall be:
- A writer must have been either a native of Georgia or have produced a significant work during or subsequent to a substantial time of work and/or residence in Georgia.
- Nominations will be forwarded to members of the Board of Judges by August 15th.
At the annual meeting, the Board of Judges shall vote on the nominations and the persons receiving the highest total of votes, two living and one posthumous, shall be elected to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame.