2026 ALA/Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award Winner- Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Library

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Information Today Library of the Future Award Jury is delighted to announce that Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Library has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Library of the Future Award for its innovative AI²@CMU-Q program.

The award, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and Information Today, Inc. annually recognizes innovative planning, application, or development of patron training programs about information technology in a library setting.

The AI²@CMU-Q program addressed student uncertainty about when and how to ethically incorporate AI technologies in their academic work. Devised by the Instruction and Outreach Librarian, the initiative combined a practical policy framework with an immersive student education program.

The core of the program is a three level AI use framework using an intuitive traffic light color system – green (AI welcome), yellow (use AI with caution), and red (no AI allowed), to help new students understand varying expectations across assignments.

Rolling out the program involved a high level of collaboration between faculty, student organizations, and the library, which led to AI²@CMU-Q Week, a five-day interactive program which addressed multiple aspects of AI literacy through exposure to diverse perspectives on AI integration. Examples included discussion of academic integrity, understanding of AI systems, faculty perspectives on use of AI, and critical evaluations of AI tools.

The success of the event has resulted in AI²@CMU-Q becoming an annual program. It has demonstrated how librarians can lead institutional responses to emerging technologies, transforming policy into practice through creative programming and cross-campus collaborations.

The 2026 ALA Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award jury included David Payne, Avon Grove Library (Chair); Stephanie Clark, University of West Florida; Polly Gallagher, Colorado State Library; Nicole LaMoreaux, LIM College; Rebecca Murphey, University of Central Florida.

Applications for the 2027 ALA Information Today, Inc. Library of the Future Award must be submitted by February 28, 2027. Guidelines and forms are available on the ALA website.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.