Honors an individual's contributions to distance and online learning librarianship
About
Year Began: 2004
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.
Nominations for the 2027 ACRL Awards will open in Fall 2026.
"Sam Harlow has a record of excellent contributions in the field of distance librarianship. Sam is a prolific scholar with numerous conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals...
“Torrie Raish has made significant contributions to the field of distance librarianship,” said award co-chairs Melissa Atkinson of Abilene Christina University and Cynthia Thomes of...
“Marcia Rapchak has demonstrated longstanding dedication to distance librarianship through her extensive research, publications, and work focused on information literacy instruction in online environments,” said...
“Heather Blicher has proved her dedication to distance librarianship through many professional contributions and service,” said award co-chairs Rebecca Nowicki of Ashford University and Brandon...
“Ms. Brumfield has proved her dedication to distance librarianship as evidenced by her professional contributions and service,” said award Co-chairs Rebecca Nowicki of Ashford University...
“Christina ‘Tina’ Sibley exemplifies all the qualities of an outstanding distance learning librarian: innovative thinking, active engagement with her learning community, leadership, and a passion...
“Fred Stielow’s contribution to online learning at his institution as well as in the field has been quite substantial,” said award Chair Mou Chakraborty of...
“Jane Hutton has been an active member of ACRL’s Distance Learning Section, diligently serving on several committees since 2004,” said award Chair Mou...
Thomas Abbott has been a leader in the field of distance learning for well over 20 years,” said Jerilyn Marshall, chair of the DLS award...
2010 - Winner(s)
Next Deadline
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.
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 are now closed. Submissions were accepted through December 12, 2025. Nominees were notified in Spring 2026.
