Excellence in Academic Libraries Award FAQ

FAQs

Submissions & Eligibility

Q. Who can submit?

A. Anyone! Libraries can self-nominate or be nominated by others.

 

Q. Do I have to be an ACRL or ALA member?

A. No. Membership is not required for either nominees or nominators.

 

Q. How do I submit?

A. All applications must be submitted online through the online submission form. Electronic submissions are required.

 

Q. Will I get a confirmation?

A. Yes. You'll receive an automatic confirmation when your application is submitted.

 

Application Details

Q. Is there a file size limit?

A. Yes. Applications may not exceed 50 MB in total file size.

 

Q. What should the application include?

A. Applications should clearly address the criteria in the Excellence in Academic Libraries Award rubric.

 

Q. Can I add letters of support?

A. Yes. You may include up to three letters of support from students, researchers, alumni, or community members. They're optional, not required.

 

Q. Can I include photos?

A. No. Applications should not include photos of either libraries or individuals. The award is based on demonstrated impact and alignment with the institution's mission, not on appearance.

 

Selection Process

Q. Is the Excellence in Academic Libraries Awards Committee required to select recipients each year?

A. No. If there are no eligible submissions, the Committee is not required to make an award.

 

Award Categories

Q. What types of libraries are eligible?

A. The award is open to:

  • Community and Junior College Libraries – two-year degree, associate degree, adult education, or certification programs.
  • College Libraries – primarily baccalaureate institutions (some may offer limited graduate programs).
  • University Libraries – institutions that offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
  • Non-Degree Granting / Other Research Libraries – organizations with significant research and educational missions but no formal degree programs.

 

Recognition

Q. Do winners need to submit photos or host ceremonies?

A. No. There is no longer a requirement to submit high-resolution photos of the library or individuals, and libraries are not expected to organize or fund recognition ceremonies.

 

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