DOLS Distance Learning Librarianship Award

Since 2004, this award annually honors an individual who has contributed to the success of distance and online learning librarianship through a specific project or initiative related to library service in higher education. This award is administrated by the ACRL Distance and Online Learning Section.

From 2004-2021, this award was previously known as the Routledge Distance Learning Librarian Conference Sponsorship Award and was sponsored by Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group with $1200 to help defray the costs of travel to and participation in the ALA Annual Meeting. After a hiatus from 2022-2025, the award was relaunched for 2026 as the DOLS Distance Learning Librarianship Award. Monetary prizes are no longer a component for any ACRL professional recognition award.

Award

The award includes a certificate of recognition. 

Eligibility

Any member of the academic or research library profession is eligible for this award. Self-nominations are accepted. ALA/ACRL membership is not required for nominees or award recipients. 

Criteria

Nominees should have demonstrated achievements in one or more of the following areas:

  • Support for distance and online learning librarianship (e.g., service to students and faculty, innovation, and/or leadership)
  • Creation and/or implementation of distance library programs or services of exemplary quality in support of information literacy or services for distance students
  • Significant research, publication, and/or presentations in areas related to distance learning librarianship continued service, scholarship, and leadership

Nominees should consider how their projects or initiatives promote and advance the DOLS Standards.

Submissions

Submissions are now closed. Submissions were accepted through December 12, 2025. Nominees were notified in Spring 2026. 

Electronic submissions through the online nomination form are required. 

Submissions must include:

  • Abstract of Project or Initiative of how this project supports the award criteria (250-300 words)
  • Letter of support for the Project or Initiative
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
  • Attachment of Narrative of the Project or Initiative supporting the criteria (PDF preferred)

Completed applications and all supporting materials must be received by the specified deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Committee

The award is administrated by the ACRL Distance and Online Learning Section (DOLS) and juried by the ACRL/DOLS Awards Committee. 

Information & Assistance

Questions should be directed to ACRL staff, acrlawards@ala.org 

Nominations for the 2027 ACRL Awards will open in Fall 2026. 

Recipients

  • 2026 – Jodi Poe, Jacksonville State University / Taylor & Francis - Press Release
  • 2022-2025 – Hiatus
  • 2021 – Natalie Haber, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - Award Announcement
  • 2020 – Samantha (Sam) Harlow, University of North Carolina, Greensboro - Award Announcement
  • 2019 – Victoria (Torrie) Raish, Pennsylvania State University - Award Announcement
  • 2018 – Marcia E. Rapchak, Duquesne University
  • 2017 – Heather Blicher, Northern Virginia Community College
  • 2016 – Elizabeth Brumfield, Prairie View A&M University
  • 2015 – Christina Sibley, Arizona Western College
  • 2014 – Frederick Stielow, American Public University System
  • 2013 – Jane M. Hutton, West Chester University
  • 2012 – Johanna Ruth Tuñón, Nova Southeastern University
  • 2011 – Cassandra Kvenild, University of Wyoming
  • 2010 – Thomas E. Abbott, University of Maine at Augusta
  • 2009 – Jack Fritts, Benedictine University
  • 2008 – Harvey Gover, Washington State University Tri-Cities
  • 2007 – Anne Marie Casey, Central Michigan University
  • 2006 – Monica Hines Craig, Central Michigan University
  • 2005 – Martha Kreszock, Appalachian State University
  • 2004 – Susan S. Lowe, University of Maine System