The American Library Association (ALA) has officially opened submissions for the 2025 John Cotton Dana Awards (JCD), one of the most esteemed honors in library public relations. The award, supported by the H.W. Wilson Foundation, recognizes up to eight libraries for exceptional marketing and public relations campaigns, with each winner receiving a $10,000 prize. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2025.
Libraries of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate, including public, academic, and special libraries. Eligible submissions must feature a strategic communications campaign from the past year. Campaigns can encompass a variety of initiatives, such as rebranding, promoting archives, fostering community partnerships, raising awareness, or hosting special events.
Winning entries are expected to showcase innovation, creative use of new technologies, and a clear alignment between campaign goals and outcomes. Submission materials should include documentation of needs assessments, planning processes, implementation strategies, and evaluation metrics. Examples might include media releases, creative assets, coverage highlights, and performance data that demonstrate the success of the campaign.
The awards are managed by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures (Core), a division of the ALA, with judges drawn from Core’s membership. Winners will be selected from a wide range of library budgets, ensuring representation across diverse institutions.
Key Details:
• Eligibility: Libraries, Friends groups, consulting agencies, or service providers (excluding entities represented on the JCD committee).
• Focus Areas: Campaigns highlighting innovation, community engagement, and measurable outcomes.
• Deadline: Submissions must be received electronically by March 3, 2025.
• Award Ceremony: Winners will be honored during the ALA Annual Conference in June 2025.
For libraries aiming to spotlight their achievements in creative marketing and public engagement, the John Cotton Dana Awards present an opportunity to gain national recognition and financial support to further their missions.
Click here to read the original press release.
