About the Modern Library Awards
Produced by LibraryWorks, the Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is an annual program that recognizes excellence in products and services for libraries. Vendors submit entries, which are judged by LibraryWorks readers and webinar attendees — approximately 80,000 librarians in public, academic, K-12, and special libraries — who evaluate each submission based on a scale of 1-10. Each judge must have experience with the product or service rated, and each participating vendor also must provide four references from library users for each entry. The LibraryWorks staff has no influence on the scoring.
How to Enter Your Product or Service in
the Modern Library Awards
You may enter as many products and services as you wish. You will complete one online form and pay one administrative fee per entry.
The entry form requires:
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Company contact information
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Name and description of the product or service
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Link to page of product or service information on your website
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High-resolution image of the product (or something representing the service)
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High-resolution company logo
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Contact details for at least 4 libraries that have bought and used the product or service
You do not need to complete the entire application in one sitting; you can save it and return later.
Yes, you may enter products or services that you've entered in past years. Many vendors do so, trying to become a multi-year honoree and achieve "5-year Honoree" and "10-year Honoree" status. If you entered the 2026 Modern Library Awards, we will send you a copy of last year's submission that you can copy and paste into this year's application for your convenience.
Your entry information will be provided as-is to judges via private links to secure online review forms, so please ensure that all your entry information is complete and correct.
All applications that are complete and qualified for judging will be assessed by librarians / users in October. In the first half of November, every applicant will be privately notified about its scores. Products or services that do not score above 6.5 (out of a possible 10) will not be listed in Library Products & Services News. No complete list of applicants will be released.
Entrants that score 6.5 (out of 10) or higher will get an email notification in early November. It will reveal the scores, and will include logos for the Platinum, Gold, or Silver MLA honoree status attained. However, no honoree may share the news outside of its company until the media embargo lifts in January 2027.
All honorees will be invited to create special advertising to be placed in the special January issue of Library Products & Services News to celebrate their awards if they choose.
All honorees will receive official, branded recognition materials in order to prepare their own announcements to go out in January, after LibraryWorks has officially announced all MLA honorees. These logos, sample press releases, and judges' anonymous quotes can be used across your own marketing materials, websites, event signage, etc. for the entire year.
2027 Modern Library Awards Program Timeline:
Sept. 25, 2026: Deadline for MLA Awards submissions
Nov. 9, 2026: All honorees notified by this date
Dec. 8, 2026: All advertising materials due for the January issue of Library Products & Services News
Jan. 19, 2027: Special MLAs issue of Library Products & Services News is published, and media embargo is lifted
Questions?
About the Program?
Kathy Dempsey
About the Application Process?
Sharon Deutch
sharon@libraryworks.com
301.570.4576
2027 Modern Library Awards
Submit Your Application
Feedback from Honorees
"EBSCO Information Services was honored to receive the Platinum MLA Award for the 5th consecutive year for our dynamic e-learning platform, PrepSTEP® for High Schools. This award, judged by library professionals, recognizes excellence in library products. The positive feedback we have received by these judges underscores our dedication to delivering top-tier resources for the library community."
Michael Laddin | Senior Vice President, EIS & General Manager | EBSCOlearning
"I am thrilled to share my experience as a Modern Library Awards honoree, a recognition that truly celebrates excellence in library technology and services. From the moment we were notified of our award, the team at Modern Library Awards provided exceptional support and guidance, ensuring that every aspect of our recognition was highlighted to its fullest potential. Receiving this accolade has not only bolstered our reputation within the industry but has also opened doors to new collaborations and partnerships. I highly recommend the Modern Library Awards to any organization striving for recognition in the library technology space. The honor is not just a badge of distinction but a testament to the impact and value our solutions bring to libraries and the patrons who are experiencing our designs."
Dina Ruggiero | VP of Operations | Spacesaver Interiors
"Being the Product of the Year honoree had a great impact on our market presence. We were able to effectively announce the award in our marketing initiatives this year; it was a trusted public demonstration of how great our product and service is and how well recognized it is amongst librarians of all types. This is a fairly judged process, and we recommend the MLA to other companies in the library industry as it increases your visibility and the credibility of your product. Thank you, MLA organizers and judges!"
Stefano Montesano | Marketing Manager | CoLibri USA