The Library History Round Table (LHRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) invites
submissions for the Justin Winsor Library History Essay Award. The Justin Winsor Library History
Award is given annually to recognize the best essay written in English on library history. The award is
named in honor of the distinguished nineteenth-century librarian, historian, and bibliographer who was
also ALA’s first president. It consists of a certificate and a $500 cash award, as well as an invitation to
have the winner’s essay considered for publication in Libraries: Culture, History, and Society.
Criteria
Manuscripts submitted should not be previously published, previously submitted for publication, or under
consideration for publication or another award. To be considered, essays should embody original
historical research on a significant topic in library history, be based on primary sources whenever
possible, and use good English composition and superior style. The Library History Round Table is
particularly interested in works that place the subject within its broader historical, social, cultural, and
political context and make interdisciplinary connections with print culture and information studies.
Essays should be organized in a form similar to that of articles published in Libraries: Culture, History,
and Society, with footnotes, spelling, and punctuation conforming to the latest edition of the Chicago
Manual of Style. Papers should not exceed thirty-five typewritten, double-spaced pages (plus footnotes
and bibliography).
Submissions and Selection
Applicants must submit their manuscripts electronically. Applications must be received by the new
extended deadline of March 21, 2023. The application deadline is firm and any submissions received
after the deadline will not be forwarded to the committee.
Please upload your manuscripts electronically via the web form:
https://airtable.com/shrYdO92X6tfTW3oe
Interested applicants can direct inquiries to Stacy Hisle, Winsor Award Committee Chair,
sdh17440@gmail.com, please use LHRT Winsor Award in the subject line.