2026 ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award Recipients Announced

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announces the recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Academic Libraries awards-- Flathead Valley Community College Library, Kalispell, Montana, and the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press, Newark, Delaware. Started in 2000, the Excellence in Academic Libraries Awards recognizes academic librarians and staff who work together as a team to develop academic libraries that are outstanding in furthering the educational missions of their institutions.

“I am thrilled that ACRL is again highlighting the many important contributions that academic libraries make to their institutions,” said ACRL Executive Director Teresa Anderson. “The 2026 award recipients exemplify strong commitment to innovation, scholarship, collaboration, and community. Receiving an Excellence in Academic Libraries Award is a tribute to each library and its entire staff for outstanding services, programs, and leadership.” 

The Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) Library received the Excellence in Academic Libraries award for the Community and Junior College Libraries category. 

“The Library at Flathead Valley Community College has outstanding collaborations with internal campus units and external community partners, all in support of the Flathead Valley Community College,” shared Beth McNeil, Chair of the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Committee. “The library is a true community hub, with a small but mighty staff!”

The library impressed the award committee with its ability to be nimble and adaptive, focusing on community building through conversations with patrons to constantly improve offerings. Three recent examples include the creation of the FVCC Archives, redesign of the One Button Studio, and cofounding the Small Libraries Interest Group in collaboration with The University of Montana Western. The library additionally developed a Makerspace for students, looking for coursework and program offerings to guide the acquisition of technology items in the space. The space is well-stocked with innovative technology, such as a GlowForge laser engraver, resin and filament 3D printers, sewing machines, stained glass, button makers, custom form makers, and more.

“We are beyond honored to receive the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award for Community & Junior College Libraries,” said Morgan Ray, Director of Library Services at Flathead Valley Community College Library. “Serving FVCC students, employees, and our local community has always been our north star, and we are proud and thankful to see this work recognized in the larger library community. As an academic community college library, we see learners of all ages come through our doors, from Makerspace events to author talks and 1:1 research instruction. We are honored to represent Montana and rural community colleges. We pride ourselves on our ability to be nimble and adaptive to help move the conversation from passive consumption of information to knowledge creation and application. Receiving this award is a sign that we continue to move in the right direction.”

The University of Delaware (UD) Library, Museums and Press received the Excellence in Academic Libraries award for the University Libraries category.  

“The University of Delaware Library has impressive initiatives underway, including with AI, intensive data analysis, first year students and undergraduate research initiatives, intellectual freedom programming, and partnerships with creative communities, demonstrating sustained excellence and always connected the university mission,” McNeil noted.  

The UD Library, Museums and Press centers this mission to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the free exchange of ideas through innovative programs that directly advance strategic priorities as a major research university committed to outstanding undergraduate education and societal impact. A collaboration with faculty on the Delaware Humanities-funded "Black Entrepreneurship in Wilmington" project demonstrates this commitment by uncovering previously hidden histories that enrich the understanding of Delaware's diverse communities while addressing the university's charge to engage with the state's critical needs. 

“To receive this recognition during such a demanding period for higher education and libraries makes it all the more meaningful,” stated Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian. “The award is a testament to the resilience and dedication of my colleagues across the Library, Museums and Press who, despite the pressures we face, continue to advance teaching, learning, and research, deepening our commitments to open scholarship, experiential learning, and research support, while showing up for our campus and broader community in ways that are genuinely meaningful. I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve built together.” 

“As a welcoming hub of scholarship and intellectual freedom, UD’s Library, Museums and Press brings our mission to life every day,” UD President Laura Carlson shared in congratulating the Library, Museums and Press on this recognition. “They infuse creativity and collaboration into everything they do— from showcasing our exceptional primary sources and special collections to expanding digital resources, open educational materials and more. We’re incredibly proud of their work and deeply grateful for this well-earned recognition.” 

Interim Provost William Farquhar echoed this sentiment, stating “The Library, Museums and Press has a transformative impact across the University. As just one example, their leadership in AI literacy addressed its pedagogical and ethical dimensions, ensuring that faculty and students engage with it critically and effectively. Thanks to their work, our graduates are better prepared for leadership in an increasingly complex world.” 

The ACRL Awards program was on hiatus from 2022-2025, and recently relaunched. For more information regarding the award, or a complete list of past recipients, please visit the awards section of the ACRL website. 

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About ACRL 
The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing more than 8,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the web, Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube.