American Library Association Equality Award

The American Library Association Equality Award has been given annually by the American Library Association since 1984 in recognition of achievement for outstanding contribution toward promoting equality in the library profession, either by a sustained contribution or a single outstanding accomplishment. The award may be given for an activist or scholarly contribution in such areas as pay equity, affirmative action, legislative work and non-sexist education.[1] The inaugural award was bestowed on Margaret Myers, Director, Office of Library Personnel Resources of the American Library Association in 1984.[2]

Julius C. Jefferson Jr., Equality Award, 2019
Patty Wong, Equality Award, 2012
Loriene Roy, Equality Award, 2006
Dr. Alma Dawson, Equality Award, 2005
Three Equality Award honorees: Anita Schiller (1985), Patricia G. Schuman (1993), and Kathleen Weibel (1988) in 2007 at ALA Annual Conference, in Washington, D.C.
Sarah M. Pritchard, Equality Award, 1997
Patricia G. Schuman, Equality Award, 1993
Date Equality Award Recipient Contributions
2024 Felton Thomas Jr.[3] President, Public Library Association, created Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice.
2023 Susan Kusel [4] Advocate for minority concerns of Judaic librarianship, the Jewish patron community, and the ongoing struggle to have Jewish concerns included in diversity justice efforts. Library Journal Award.[5]
2022 Fulton County Library, McConnellsburg, PA, and community activists Sarah Cutchall and Emily Best.[6] Standing up to County Commission labeling LGBTQ+ as "hate group."
2021 Joint Council of Librarians of Color (JCLC) Purpose Statement of the JCLC is “to promote librarianship within communities of color, support literacy and the preservation of history and cultural heritage, collaborate on common issues, and to host the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color every four years.” [7]
2020 Em Claire Knowles [8] Diversity Summits, Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Joint Conference of Librarians of Color
2019 Lorelle R. Swader [9] Organized annual National Library Workers’ Day[10] and ALA Allied Professional Association [11] committees and taskforces focusing on diversity and inclusion, including Spectrum Scholarship and Emerging Leaders.
2019 Julius C. Jefferson Jr.[12] Co-edited, 21st Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges ,[13] advocate for equality in librarianship.
2018 Alexandra Rivera [14] Chair, ALA Diversity Committee; Joint Council of Librarians of Color; Peer Information Counseling Program.
2017 Haipeng Li [15] Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, President, Chinese American Librarians Association
2016 Nicole A. Cooke[16] "staunch champion for inclusion and has led the charge in changing the education of librarians to make them better able to serve those, who to date, have been unserved or underserved."
2015 Camila Alire[17] Author, Serving Latino Communities,[18] support of Spectrum Scholarship Initiative.
2014 Ann K. Symons[19] "an active and effective supporter of intellectual freedom, focusing extensively on school libraries and GLBT issues."
2013 Elizabeth Martinez[20] Co-founder of REFORMA, Co-chair, ALA policy on diversity “Equity at Issue,” developed Spectrum Scholarship program.
2012 Patricia "Patty" Wong[21] JCLC Advocacy Award, Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, California State Library initiatives for service to diverse communities, Spectrum scholarship committees.
2011 Joan R. Giesecke [22] As dean of libraries, University of Nebraska–Lincoln increased diversity from 2% in 2000 to 12% in 2010, Association of Research Libraries, Diversity Committee.
2010 Patricia Tarin [23] 1991 Hispanic Librarian of the Year-REFORMA, initiated and directed Knowledge River, University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science,[24] “Guidelines for Library Service to the Spanish-Speaking” (ALA, 1978).
2009 Karen Downing[25] University of Michigan Library Diversity Award; work with ALA Spectrum initiative and "an enduring legacy of positive change in librarianship by investing her energy, passion and dedication to fostering equality throughout the profession."
2008 Liana Zhou [26] Director, Library and Archives, Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction; president of the Chinese American Librarians Association.[27]
2007 Kenneth A. Yamashita [28] Co-chair, first Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.[29] Author, "Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association— A History of APALA and Its Founders."[30]
2007 Gladys Smiley Bell[31] Co-chair, first Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.[32]
2006 Loriene Roy[33] President, American Indian Library Association, Anishinabe, a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, enrolled on the White Earth Reservation, member of the International Indigenous Librarians Council, author.
2005 Alma Dawson[34] Russell B. Long Professor at the School of Library & Information Science, Louisiana State University for "leadership in affirmative action efforts in library and information science, both as a librarian and as a library educator," author, The African-American Reader’s Advisor.[35]
2004 Janet B. Wojnaroski School library media specialist at Kent (Ohio) Roosevelt High School, "commitment to building connections between schools, institutions, and the general community, fostered awareness of African-American history and culture, brought the generations together in a shared endeavor, and preserved the history of Kent, Ohio, and its people."[36]
2003 Carla J. Stoffle Dean of libraries, University of Arizona in Tucson "mentored countless individuals and instituted a number of programs, including Peer Information Counseling, a minority outreach program where undergraduate minority students serve as information role models to other students. She supports the recruitment and retention of librarians of color and advocated for a two-year program that brings new librarians of color to work in academic internships."[37]
2002 Clara Chu[38] Scholar at Department of Information Studies University of California-Los Angeles who specializes in the social construction of information systems, institutions and access to help understand the usage of and barriers to information in multicultural communities.[39]
2001 Doris Seale[40] Combined her heritage as a Santee Dakota, Abenaki and Cree woman with her vocations - librarian, teacher and writer - to facilitate positive change in the representation of American Indians in library resources. Author, A Broken Flute : The Native Experience in Books for Children. [41]
2000 Florence Simkins Brown [42] First African American librarian to chair ALA's Chapter Relations Committee; primary role in development of "Stop Talking and Start Doing! Recruitment and Retention of People of Color to the Profession" initiative.
1999 Kansas City Public Library (MO) [43] "bold, ongoing, and unfaltering commitment to making equality part of the library's organizational culture and thereby being a model for other service agencies," recognized for "serving a city one-by-one, by fully embracing the ideals of equity and diversity."
1998 Betty J. Turock President, American Library Association, founder of Spectrum Scholarship Program, professor Rutgers School of Communication and Information, author, "Women and Leadership."[44]
1997 Sarah M. Pritchard[45] American Library Association, Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship, chair Women's Studies Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, Women's Studies Specialist at the Library of Congress, author of "The Impact of Feminism on Women in the Profession," [46]
1996 Michele Leber[47] Represented American Library Association on the National Committee on Pay Equity. Editor of Women in Libraries, ALA Special Presidential Task Force on Better Salaries and Pay Equity.
1995 Wisconsin Women Library Workers Wisconsin Women Library Workers is a feminist organization committed to improving the status of women in the library field and to the elimination of sex role stereotyping and sex bias.
1994 Lotsee Patterson Comanche librarian, educator, founder of the American Indian Library Association, Co-chair, White House Conference (1992) Pathways to Excellence: Improving Library and Information Services for Native American Peoples.[48]
1993 Patricia G. Schuman[49] American Library Association Honorary Member, Founder, Social Responsibilities Round Table, and co-founder of the SRRT Feminist Task Force, first woman treasurer (1984–88) of the American Library Association. President of the American Library Association.
1992 Susan Ellis Searing Instrumental in developing Women's Studies as a field. Author, Introduction to Library Research in Women's Studies,[50] American Women’s History[51]"Women's Studies for a “Women's” Profession.[52]
1991 E.J. Josey[53] Civil Rights leader, founder and leader of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, President, American Library Association, Author, The Black Librarian in America. [54]
1990 Betty-Carol Sellen [55] Founder, Social Responsibilities Round Table and chair, Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship; labored tirelessly and effectively for the Equal Rights Amendment, comparable worth, leadership development for women, and childcare.
1989 Sanford Berman[56] Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sandy Berman but Were Afraid to Ask.[57]
1988 Kathleen Weibel ALA Task Force on Women-Pre-Conference, 1974. Author: “Toward a Feminist Profession,”[58]The Role of Women in Librarianship 1876-1976: The Entry, Advancement and Struggle for Equalization in One Profession,[59] “Public Library Response to Women and Their Changing Roles.” [60]
1987 Kathleen M. Heim Illinois Library Association ERA Task Force, Committee of the Status of Women in Librarianship, Co-author,The Role of Women in Librarianship 1876-1976: The Entry, Advancement and Struggle for Equalization in One Profession.[61]
1986 Kay A. Cassell“[62] Author, “ALA and the ERA.” [63]“Public Library Response to Women and Their Changing Roles,”[64]Association of College and Research Libraries Women and Gender Studies Section Career Achievement Award.
1985 Anita R. Schiller [65] American Library Association Honorary Member. First researcher to document pervasive pattern of gender inequality within the library profession (1968) - “Characteristics of Professional Personnel in College and University Libraries."[66] Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship, Task Force on Better Salaries and Pay Equity for Library Workers.
1984 Margaret Myers[67] Director, American Library Association, Office for Library Personnel Resources, 1974–1995. Formulated "Each One, Reach One" campaign, 1988 to increase diversity in librarianship;[68] did foundational work that gathered data for the SPECTRUM scholarship program.[69]Melvil’s Rib Symposium[70]
  1. ^ Equality Award. American Library Association.
  2. ^ A Memorial Resolution Honoring Margaret R. Myers 2020-2021 ALA M#20 (Memorial), June 21, 2021.
  3. ^ Felton Thomas, Jr. Receives 2024 ALA Equality Award American Library Association, March 21, 2024.
  4. ^ Susan Kusel is named Winner of 2023 ALA Equality Award. American Library Association, May 2, 2023.
  5. ^ "Susan Kusel: Movers & Shakers 2023—Advocates." Library JournalMay 05, 2023.
  6. ^ Fulton County Library, Sarah Cutchall and Emily Best win 2022 ALA Equality Award American Library Association, May 28, 2022.
  7. ^ Hines, Samantha. 2020. “Case Study in Collaborative Leadership: Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.” Collaborative Librarianship 12 (1): 102–12.
  8. ^ Dr. Em Claire Knowles Equality Award winner American Library Association, June 5, 2020
  9. ^ Jefferson Jr. and Swader win the 2019 ALA Equality Award American Library Association, May 21. 2019
  10. ^ National Library Workers’ Day ALA Allied Professional Association.
  11. ^ ALA Allied Professional Association
  12. ^ Jefferson Jr. and Swader win the 2019 ALA Equality Award American Library Association, May 21. 2019
  13. ^ The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges. 2012. Lanham Maryland: Scarecrow Press.
  14. ^ Alexandra Rivera wins the 2018 Equality Award American Library Association, April 24, 2018.
  15. ^ The American Library Association honors Haipeng Li with Equality Award American Library Association, April 24, 2017.
  16. ^ The American Library Association honors Nicole A. Cooke with Equality Award American Library Association, March 22, 2016.
  17. ^ The American Library Association honors Camila Alire with Equality Award American Library Association, April 28, 2015.
  18. ^ ,Serving Latino Communities (Rev. ed.). Monograph co-authored with Jacqueline Ayala. Neal-Schuman Publishing (2007)
  19. ^ The American Library Association honors Ann K. Symons with 2014 Equality Award American Library Association, April 1, 2014.
  20. ^ Elizabeth Martinez American Library Association, Equality Award, March 15, 2013.
  21. ^ The American Library Association honors Patricia M.Y. Wong with the 2012 Equality Award. American Library Association, February 2, 2012.
  22. ^ Leading By Example: 2011 ALA Award Winners. American Libraries. September 19, 2011.
  23. ^ ALA honors Patricia Tarin’s lifetime of leadership with 2010 Equality Award American Library Association, April 1, 2009.
  24. ^ Montiel-Overall, Patricia, and Sandra Littletree. "Knowledge River: A Case Study of a Library and Information Science Program Focusing on Latino and Native American Perspectives." Library Trends 59, no. 1 (2010): 67-87.
  25. ^ Downing wins award for promoting equality in library profession American Library Association, March 3, 2009.
  26. ^ Zhou wins award for promoting equality in library profession American Library Association, April 15, 2008.
  27. ^ Zhou, Liana. 2003. “Characteristics of Material Organization and Classification in the Kinsey Institute Library.” Cataloging & Classification Quarterly 35 (3/4): 335–53.
  28. ^ Gladys Smiley Bell and Dr. Kenneth A. Yamashita receive the 2007 Equality Award American Library Association, May 15, 2007.
  29. ^ Miller, Rebecca, and Aída Bardales. 2006. “Better Together: The Joint Conference.” Library Journal 131 (19): 34–35.
  30. ^ Yamashita, Kenneth A.(2000), "Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association— A History of APALA and Its Founders, Library Trends 49 (1) 2000: Ethnic Diversity in Library and Information Science."
  31. ^ Gladys Smiley Bell and Dr. Kenneth A. Yamashita receive the 2007 Equality Award American Library Association, May 15, 2007.
  32. ^ Miller, Rebecca, and Aída Bardales. 2006. “Better Together: The Joint Conference.” Library Journal 131 (19): 34–35.
  33. ^ Loriene Roy receives 2006 Equality Award American Library Association, April 25, 2006.
  34. ^ Alma Dawson receives 2005 Equality Award American Library Association, March 3, 2005.
  35. ^ The African-American Reader’s Advisor: A Guide for Readers, Librarians, and Educators. Edited by Alma Dawson and Connie Van Fleet. Englewood, Colorado: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2004.
  36. ^ “The Profession’s Shining Stars: ALA Award Winners, 2004.” 2004. American Libraries 35 (8): 48–64.
  37. ^ “Joining the Honor Roll: ALA Award Winners, 2003.” 2003. American Libraries 34 (8): 60–75.
  38. ^ Clara M. Chu receives 2002 Equality Award American Library Association, April, 2002
  39. ^ “See Us As We Are: Clara Chu--University of California at Los Angeles.” 2005. Library Journal S35–S35.
  40. ^ Seale receives the 2001 Equality Award American Library Association, May 2001.
  41. ^ Seale Doris and Beverly Slapin. 2005. A Broken Flute : The Native Experience in Books for Children. Walnut Creek CA Berkeley CA: AltaMira Press ; Oyate.
  42. ^ "Cole, Brown win 2000 ALA awards." Library Journal, May 15, 2000,
  43. ^ Watkins, Christine.(1999).“Excellence in Action: 1999 ALA Award Winners.” American Libraries30 (Sept):81.
  44. ^ Turock, Betty J. 2001. “Women and Leadership.” Journal of Library Administration 32 (3/4): 111–32.
  45. ^ Dean of Libraries Sarah Pritchard plans to retire in 2022 Longtime dean led transformation of library services Northwestern Now, October 13, 2021.
  46. ^ Pritchard, S. M. (1989). "The impact of feminism on women in the profession." Library Journal, 114(13), 76–77.
  47. ^ A Memorial Resolution Honoring Michele Leber.
  48. ^ U.S. National Commission on Library and Information Science Pathways to Excellence: A Report on Improving Library and Information Services for Native American Peoples 1992. Available in the ERIC Document Reproduction Service as ED3588582
  49. ^ “1993 ALA Awards Winners.” 1993. American Libraries 24 (July), p. 624.
  50. ^ Searing, Susan E. 1985. Introduction to Library Research in Women’s Studies. Boulder: Westview Press.
  51. ^ Searing, Susan E. 1986. American Women’s History: A Basic Bibliography. Madison WI: University of Wisconsin System Women’s Studies Librarian-at-Large.
  52. ^ Searing, Susan E. (1992). "Women's studies for a “women's” profession: theory and practice in library science." In The knowledge explosion: generations of feminist scholarship, pp. 225-234. Ed. by Cheris Kramarae and DaleSpender. New York: Teachers College Press.
  53. ^ Chancellor, Renate (2020). E. J. Josey: Transformational Leader of the Modern Library Profession, Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.
  54. ^ The Black Librarian in America, Scarecrow Press, 1970.
  55. ^ “1990 ALA Awards Winners.” 1990. American Libraries 21 (June): 612.
  56. ^ Equality Award.
  57. ^ Dodge, Chris and Jan DeSirey and Sanford Berman. 1995. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sandy Berman but Were Afraid to Ask. Jefferson N.C: McFarland.
  58. ^ Weibel, Kathleen. 1976. “Toward a Feminist Profession.” Library Journal (1976) 101(1976):1 S. 263-267.
  59. ^ Weibel, Kathleen,Kathleen M. Heim and Dianne J. Ellsworth. (1979). The Role of Women in Librarianship 1876-1976: The Entry, Advancement and Struggle for Equalization in One Profession. 1979. Phoenix Ariz: Oryx Press.
  60. ^ Cassell Kay Ann and Kathleen Weibel. (1980). “Public Library Response to Women and Their Changing Roles.” RQ 70–75.
  61. ^ Weibel, Kathleen,Kathleen M. Heim and Dianne J. Ellsworth.The Role of Women in Librarianship 1876-1976: The Entry, Advancement and Struggle for Equalization in One Profession. 1979. Phoenix Ariz: Oryx Press.
  62. ^ 1986 ALA Awards Winners.” 1986. Library Journal 111 (13): 50.
  63. ^ Cassell, Kay Ann. 1982. “ALA and the ERA.” American Libraries 13 (11): 690.
  64. ^ Cassell, Kay Ann and Kathleen Weibel. 1980. “Public Library Response to Women and Their Changing Roles.” RQ 70–75.
  65. ^ A Memorial Resolution Honoring Anita Schiller 2020-2021 ALA Memorial American Library Association, June 18, 2021.
  66. ^ Schiller, Anita R, James W Grimm, Margo C Trumpeter. United States Office of Education Bureau of Research and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library Research Center. 1969. Characteristics of Professional Personnel in College and University Libraries. Springfield: Illinois State Library.
  67. ^ “Margaret Myers Retires, Joins Peace Corps.” 1995. American Libraries 26 (10): 982.
  68. ^ American Library Association Office for Library Personnel Resources. 1989. Each One Reach One: Recruiting for the Profession ; Action Handbook. Chicago: Office.
  69. ^ 1989. Occupational Entry : Library and Information Science Students’ Attitudes Demographics and Aspirations Survey. Chicago: American Library Association Office for Library Personnel Resources,
  70. ^ Myers Margaret Mayra Scarborough and Rutgers University Graduate School of Library Service. 1975. Women in Librarianship : Melvil’s Rib Symposium : Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Symposium Sponsored by the Alumni and Faculty of the Rutgers University Graduate School of Library Service. New Brunswick N.J: Bureau of Library and Information Science Research Rutgers University Graduate School of Library Service.