For immediate release | February 20, 2026
2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research
The Library Research Round Table is pleased to announce the 2026 Jesse H. Shera Award for Distinguished Published Research:
Blair Solon, Collection Analysis Librarian, University of New Mexico; Margie Montañez, Curator of Latin American Studies, University of New Mexico; Liz Cooper, Social Sciences Librarian for Graduate and Faculty Engagement, University of New Mexico; Amy Jankowski, Director of Learning, Research, and Engagement for the University Libraries, University of New Mexico; Glenn Koelling, Undergraduate Engagement Coordinator for the University Libraries, University of New Mexico; and Laura Soito, Associate Dean for Content and Discovery, University of Massachusetts Amherst
"Preparing for the Worst but Hoping for the Best: Censorship, Academic Libraries, and Reconsideration Policies” Library Resources & Technical Services 69, no. 2 (2025). https://journals.ala.org/index.php/lrts/article/view/8439
The winning article was nominated by Rachel E. Scott, Editor, Library Resources & Technical Services. Scott noted “the findings reveal a surprising lack of existing policies at libraries that are arguably more likely to be targeted for challenges. The authors helpfully include recommendations for librarians who wish to write a reconsideration policy for their library. The template reconsideration policy in the Appendix makes this contribution to the scholarship a very practical contribution to the profession as well.” The jury agreed.
Jurors said the article addresses an urgent issue in academic librarianship and provides a clear, policy-focused analysis of censorship preparedness through reconsideration policies. They praised the practical relevance, clear reporting, and actionable implications for governance and intellectual freedom. That the template reconsideration policy could be tailored to any institution increased the practical value of this timely research. The article received the highest average score among a strong pool of nominations.
The authors have been invited to present on their study at the LRRT Chair’s program at the ALA Annual Conference on June 27, 2026. The program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shera Awards.
2026 Jurors for Distinguished Published Research:
Hesam Akbari, Ravi Varma Kumar Bevara, Samaneh Borji, Laxmigayathri Challa, Komal Cherukuri, Merrion Dale, Esther Eze, Fereshteh Sadeghi Naieni Fard, Amanda Harrison, Jessica Kohout-Tailor, Rosa Malave, Hripsime Mantecon, Michelle Mussuto, Kiera O’Shea, Devin Savage, Beverly Wood, and Yin Zhang
