The Library Excellence Awards™ are global awards dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements, innovation, leadership, and impact across all types of libraries, library professionals, educators, authors, publishers, and organizations supporting the knowledge and cultural sector.
Our mission is: Recognizing Libraries that Shape the World.
Who can participate in the Awards?
The Awards are open to both institutions and individual professionals worldwide.
This is one of the unique strengths of the Library Excellence Awards®:
we celebrate excellence at every level of the library ecosystem.
Participation is open to:
• Public, academic, and school libraries
• Virtual and digital libraries
• Corporate, special, and governmental libraries
• Bookstores and literary cafés
• Publishing houses
• Library directors, managers, and staff
• Educators, professors, researchers, and LIS faculty
• Authors, translators, and publishing contributors
• Book reviewers, film reviewers, influencers, and podcasters
• Students, ambassadors, and youth leaders
The Awards include highly specialized categories that acknowledge excellence in leadership, community impact, digital innovation, architecture, green practices, preservation, academic influence, creative writing, and much more — offering one of the most comprehensive frameworks in the world for library and knowledge-sector recognition.
There are no geographical, size, or institutional restrictions.
How do I submit an entry?
All submissions are completed online through the official website.
Steps include:
1. Selecting a category
2. Filling in the application form
3. Uploading supporting documents
4. Submitting payment (if applicable)
5. Receiving confirmation
A detailed submission guide is provided on the website.
Is there an entry fee?
To support operations, global judging, and award ceremonies:
• Institutional entries: first submission costs USD $95, with a discount if applying in more than one category
• Individual entries: first submission for free, extra submissions USD $45 per category with a discount if applying in more than two categories
Discounts (and in some cases a full grant) may apply for early submissions, developing countries, and people or institutes that have financial challenges.
What is the judging process?
The judging process consists of three stages:-
Stage 1 – Eligibility Screening: The LEA team reviews submissions for completeness and category fit.
Stage 2 – Independent Evaluation: Expert judges score entries based on defined criteria and evidence.
Stage 3 – Advisory Board Review: The Global Advisory Board ensures fairness, consistency, and alignment with international standards.
All judging is conducted using a blind evaluation process to ensure neutrality.
Who are the judges?
Judges include experienced library leaders, professors, researchers, technologists, cultural experts, and specialists in innovation, accessibility, digital systems, governance, sustainability, and community development.
A full list of judges is published before each award cycle.
What judging criteria are used?
Criteria vary by award type but generally include the following with different weights depending on the award category:
• Innovation and creativity
• Community and societal impact
• User satisfaction and service quality
• Inclusivity and accessibility
• Digital transformation
• Sustainability and green practices
• Leadership and governance
• Quality of operations
• Professional excellence
• Measurable results and evidence
Each award category has clearly defined criteria.
Can one institution or individual apply for more than one category?
Yes. Participants are encouraged to submit entries in as many relevant categories as they wish, but they have to choose the right package for this.
What types of supporting materials can be submitted?
Supporting materials may include:
• Reports or strategic plans
• Photos, videos, or digital documentation
• Testimonials
• Program examples
• Metrics and results
• Weblinks
While some are optional, supporting evidence strengthens submissions.
Are submissions accepted globally?
Yes. The Awards are fully international and open to all regions.
What languages are accepted for submissions?
• English (primary)
• Arabic
• In case of non-English and non-Arabic speaking participants, submissions can be accepted with native language with an attached AI translation document in English.
*Additional languages may be added in future editions.
When are finalists and winners announced?
Timelines are published annually and include:
• Announcement of finalists
• Winner announcement and celebration events
Participants are notified by email.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive:
• The official LEA Award certificate
• A digital trophy badge
• Global recognition on our website and social media
• International press visibility
• Inclusion in the LEA Global Excellence Directory
• Opportunities for interviews and professional features
• Gifts from sponsors
• Winners will be invited to judge for the next year
• Top winners may be invited to speak at events.
*Shortlisted participants will also receive recognitions and benefits.
Will there be an award ceremony?
Yes. The LEA organizes:
• Global virtual ceremony
• Global in-person & hybrid ceremony (depending on partnerships)
Details are announced each cycle.
Are the Awards affiliated with any government or political body?
No. The Awards are fully independent and neutral.
Who oversees the Awards?
Governance includes:
• The LEA Executive Team
• The Global Advisory Board
• Independent judging panels
Together they ensure transparency, quality, and fairness.
How can I become a partner or sponsor?
Organizations may contact the LEA team via email. After that they will receive a document with different sponsorships packages, detailed benefits, ROI and SROI.
Partnership opportunities are available for any institutions, publishers, corporations, NGOs, ministries, and educational bodies that support the cause.
How can I join the Advisory Board or become a Judge?
Qualified experts with a strong professional or academic background may apply via email, with subject title "Applying for Advisory Board" or "Applying to Judge", and an attachment of a CV or LinkedIn account link.
Who should I contact for further questions or assistance?
For any inquiries, please contact us on our official email address and we will be more than happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
