Applications are open for the 2023 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD), one of the most prestigious awards given to libraries for outstanding library public relations. Up to eight $10,000 awards will be provided by the H.W. Wilson Foundation. The deadline to apply is March 17.
Libraries of all types and sizes are encouraged to submit entries for a JCD Award. Entries may be submitted by any library, Friends group, consulting agency, or service provider, unless they are represented on the JCD committee.
Entries should highlight a strategic communications campaign from the past year, as opposed to an individual piece of promotion. Examples of past campaigns have included rebranding efforts, promotion of archives and special collections, awareness campaigns, community partnerships, and special events. Entries highlighting innovation in marketing and new technologies while sharing what it is you set out to achieve combine all the successful components of winning campaigns.
Entries for the JCD Award are organized around needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Entrants are asked to submit documentation to show the scope and effectiveness of their campaign. Examples of these documents may include initial assessments and research, processes for implementation, goals met, creative output, media releases, media coverage and other metrics that establish results. Up to eight winners will be selected with at least one chosen winner from the following annual library operating budget categories:
- Under $1 Million
- $1M – $5M
- $5M – $10M
- $10M – $15M
- Greater than $15M
View application details (PDF)
View the evaluation criteria (PDF)
The winners will be announced in June by ALA and EBSCO Information Services.
