2026 JCLC Awards
JCLC will recognize one individual from each National Association of Librarians of Color (NALCo) in the following four categories:
- Distinguished Service Award
- Advocacy Award
- Legacy Award
- Rising Star Award
The nominee and the nominator (if applicable) must be a current member of either AILA, APALA, BCALA, CALA, or REFORMA (the NALCos). Self-nominations will be accepted.
The application requires a nomination statement and two letters of support. Letters of support should provide direct evidence of the nominee’s work as it relates to the criteria listed below for each award. These materials must be submitted to the Award Nomination Form, which also requests contact information. Nominations must be submitted by February 27, 2026.
Awardees will receive free registration to JCLC 2026 and be recognized at the All-Attendee Award Celebration on October 10, 2026.
Awards & Criteria
JCLC 2026 Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance library and information services, empower communities, and serve their respective NALCo.
Criteria:
- Transformative and sustained impact to improve library and information services
- Extensive leadership or contributions to NALCo
- Empowers communities through expanding access or reducing barriers
JCLC 2026 Advocacy Award
The Advocacy Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing library and information services for the profession and communities of color.
Criteria:
- Advocates for communities of color that lead to improvements in policy, funding, access, and/or outcomes
- Leads and influences initiatives that expand or improve library services
JCLC 2026 Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors senior professionals whose enduring dedication and sustained service of 20 or more years continue to advance and positively impact the library profession.
Criteria:
- Demonstrates 20 or more years of service that have helped advance the profession
- Contributions have created lasting change and significantly impacted the profession
- Engages and nurtures early-career LIS professionals through leadership and mentorship
JCLC 2026 Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes emerging professionals with fewer than five years of experience whose initiative and vision demonstrate exceptional promise as future leaders in the profession.
Criteria:
- Holds a professional-level position for no more than five years as of October 2026
- Demonstrates leadership potential through engagement in library communities
- Leverages innovative and visionary thinking that is helping drive change
- Engages in work that goes beyond their current position
Selection Process
The Awards Subcommittee will review all nominations and score them according to rubrics based on the above criteria.
Recommendations will be sent to the leadership of each NALCo who will select the awardee.