DOLS Distance Learning Librarianship Award

This grant award 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.

Award

A certificate to honor the recipient’s achievements. The award is administrated by the ACRL Distance and Online Learning Section (DOLS) and juried by the ACRL/DOLS Award Committee. 

Previous awards have included a stipend for the recipient to attend the ALA Annual Conference. This stipend is not currently offered for the 2026 ACRL Awards cycle. The DOLS Award Committee hopes to offer this stipend award again in the future. 

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.

Application/Nomination Process

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

Electronic submissions through the online nomination form are required. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

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.

View the full Award committee roster here.

Information & Assistance

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

Previous Recipients

  • 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