Established in 1963, the National School Library Media Program of the Year (NSLMPY) Award honors school library media programs practicing their commitment to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information, as well as exemplifying implementation of Information Power. The award recognizes exemplary school library media programs that are fully integrated into the school's curriculum. Each winning program receives a $10,000 prize ($30,000 total) donated by Follett Library Resources.

In the past, the three award categories were defined as: Large District (enrollment equal to or greater than 10,000 students), Small District (enrollment less than 10,000 students) and Individual School (including single schools that exist as a school district). The new categories, starting with the 2006 application year, are one District Award and two Single School Awards.