| Honorary Membership
|
Date
|
Major accomplishments
|
| No Award
|
2024
|
|
| Dolly Parton
|
2023
|
Founder, Imagination Library, award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. Longstanding support and commitment to inspiring a love of books and reading.
|
| Maureen Sullivan
|
2022
|
President, American Library Association, President Association of College and Research Libraries, President, Library Leadership and Management Association.
|
| James G. Neal
|
2022
|
President and Treasurer, American Library Association
|
| Robert Wedgeworth
|
2021
|
Executive Director, American Library Association, President, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
|
| No Awards
|
2019–2020
|
| Carla Hayden
|
2018
|
Librarian of Congress
|
| Ann K. Symons
|
2017
|
President and Treasurer, American Library Association
|
| No Award
|
2015–2016
|
|
| Patricia Glass Schuman
|
2014
|
President and Treasurer, American Library Association, Joseph W. Lippincott Award, Founder, Neal-Schuman Publishers.
|
| No Award
|
2013
|
|
| Jack Reed
|
2012
|
U. S. Senator, (D. RI)[4]
|
| Betty J. Turock
|
2011
|
President, American Library Association, ALA SPECTRUM founder,[5] Professor & Dean, Rutgers School of Communication and Information.
|
| Yohannes Gebregeorgis
|
2011
|
Founder of Ethiopia Reads
|
| No award
|
2010
|
|
| Judith F. Krug
|
2009
|
Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association, Director Freedom to Read Foundation
|
| Pat Mora
|
2008
|
Poet, author, founder of El día de los niños, el día de los libros[6][7]
|
| Effie Lee Morris
|
2008
|
President, Public Library Association, pioneering public library services for minorities and the visually-impaired.[8]
|
| Peggy Sullivan
|
2008
|
President, American Library Association, executive director, American Library Association, library historian.
|
| David Cohen
|
2007
|
Contributions to multicultural librarianship and intellectual freedom[9]
|
| Alice L. Hagemeyer
|
2007
|
Passionate, lifelong interest in promoting information about the language, culture and achievements of deaf individuals.[10]
|
| Anita R. Schiller
|
2007
|
Groundbreaking efforts to enhance the status of women in librarianship.[11]
|
| Alphonse F. Trezza
|
2007
|
Executive Director of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, Director of the Illinois State Library.[12]
|
| Robert D. Stueart
|
2006
|
President, Association for Library and Information Science Education, Beta Phi Mu Award.[13]
|
| Lotsee Patterson
|
2005
|
Professor, founder of the American Indian Library Association, Beta Phi Mu Award.[14]
|
| Nettie Barcroft Taylor
|
2005
|
Director, Maryland State Library, Command Librarian for the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, Maryland Women's Hall of Fame[15]
|
| Sanford Berman
|
2004
|
For his accomplishments as a cataloging theorist and practitioner and for his commitment to making catalog records accessible to library users.[16]
|
| Norman Horrocks
|
2004
|
Director, School of Information Management, Dalhousie University, Officer of the Order of Canada.[17]
|
| Barbara Gittings
|
2003
|
Lifelong commitment to developing positive images of gays and lesbians in the literature and on library shelves and to ensuring equal access to information for all people.[18]
|
| Samuel F. Morrison
|
2003
|
Director, Broward County Library, founded the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Chief librarian Chicago Public Library oversaw design and construction, Harold Washington Library Center.[19][20]
|
| Lucille Cole Thomas
|
2003
|
Notable contributions to the profession as a librarian, educator and library trustee, her leadership role at the local, state, national and international levels, and unstinting contributions to the education of children and young adults.[21][22]
|
| E.J. Josey
|
2002
|
President, American Library Association, President Black Caucus of the American Library Association[23]
|
| Seymour Lubetzky
|
2002
|
Cataloging theorist ranked among the greatest minds in library science. Groundbreaking work devoted to modern cataloging in the 20th century place him with Antonio Panizzi and Charles Cutter.[24]
|
|
| Arnulfo Trejo
|
2001
|
Founder of REFORMA, Professor, University of Arizona, Founder Trejo Foster Foundation for Hispanic Library Education.
|
| Jeanne Hurley Simon
|
2000
|
Chairperson of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.[25]
|
| Vartan Gregorian
|
2000
|
President, New York Public Library.[26]
|
| No Award
|
1999
|
|
| Wendell Ford
|
1998
|
U.S. Senator (D, KY). Library champion. Quote, “If information is the currency of democracy, then libraries are the banks.”[27]
|
| Bill Gates
|
1998
|
Funding free, public computer and Internet access in public libraries.Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.[28]
|
| Melinda Gates
|
1998
|
Funding free, public computer and Internet access in public libraries. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.[29]
|
| K. Wayne Smith
|
1998
|
President and CEO of OCLC, CEO at World Book Encyclopedia.[30]
|
| Sidney R. Yates
|
1998
|
U.S.Congress (D, IL).Yates, Champion of libraries and arts.[31]
|
| Henriette Avram
|
1997
|
Developed the MARC format (Machine Readable Cataloging), Associate Librarian for Collections Services, Library of Congress.[32]
|
| Oprah Winfrey
|
1997
|
Oprah's Book Club
|
| Eileen D. Cooke
|
1996
|
Director, ALA Washington Office, 1972–1993.[33]
|
| Mark Hatfield
|
1996
|
U.S. Senator (R, OR)
|
| Nancy Kassebaum
|
1996
|
U.S. Senator (R, KS)
|
| Paul Simon
|
1996
|
U.S. Senator (D, IL), Champion of public's access to government information.[34]
|
| Pat Williams
|
1996
|
U.S.Congressman (D-MT),
|
| No Award
|
1995
|
|
| Jimmy Carter
|
1994
|
U.S. President 1977–1981, spoke at White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services.[35]
|
| Virginia Mathews
|
1994
|
Director, National Library Week, developer of Sesame Street, co-founded American Indian Library Association, organized 1979 and 1991 White House Conferences on Library and Information Services[36]
|
| Robert G. Vosper
|
1993
|
Director, libraries at the University of California, Los Angeles, President, American Library Association, President, Association of College and Research Libraries.
|
| Joseph Becker
|
1992
|
Library networking pioneer. Award of Merit - Association for Information Science and Technology.[37]
|
| Miriam L. Hornback
|
1991
|
Secretariat to the American Library Association Council and executive board for 47 years. Attended 80 ALA Conferences.[38][39]
|
| Robert W. Frase
|
1991
|
Executive Director of American National Standards Institute Z39;[40]Library Funding and Public Support.[41]
|
| Barbara Bush
|
1990
|
First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
|
| No Award
|
1989
|
|
| Ralph E. Ellsworth
|
1988
|
Director of libraries and professor of bibliography at the University of Colorado, author- Academic Library Buildings : A Guide to Architectural Issues and Solutions[42][43]
|
| Spencer Shaw
|
1988
|
Professor, Information School of the University of Washington, (1970–1986), president, Association for Library Service to Children.[44][45]
|
| Eric Moon
|
1987
|
Editor-in-Chief, Library Journal, President, American Library Association.[46]
|
| Major Owens
|
1987
|
U.S. Congressman (D, NY), librarian - Brooklyn Public Library.[47][48]
|
| Frederick Gale Ruffner Jr.
|
1987
|
Founder, Gale Research, Decorated World War II veteran.[49]
|
| No Award
|
1986
|
|
| Virginia G. Young
|
1985
|
Library Trustee, author- The Library Trustee.[50][51]
|
| Lester Asheim
|
1984
|
Director, International Relations and Director. Office for Library Education, American Library Association. Professor, University of Chicago Graduate Library School and UNC School of Information and Library Science, Beta Phi Mu Award.[52]
|
| William D. Ford
|
1984
|
U.S. Congressman (D, MI)
|
| Johnny Carson
|
1983
|
Tonight Show, books and authors.[53]
|
| Jack Dalton
|
1983
|
Dean, Columbia University School of Library Services, Director Office of International Relations, American Library Association.[54][55]
|
| Clara Stanton Jones
|
1983
|
Director Detroit Public Library, President, American Library Association.[56]
|
| Claiborne Pell
|
1983
|
U.S. Senator (D, RI)
|
| George Aiken
|
1982
|
U.S. Senator (R, VT)
|
| Carl A. Elliott
|
1982
|
U.S. Congressman (D, AL)
|
| Virginia Haviland
|
1982
|
Founder, Center for Children's Literature, Library of Congress, chair, Newbery-Caldecott Award Committee, author.[57]
|
| Frederick G. Kilgour
|
1982
|
President of OCLC;Legion of Merit for intelligence work during World War II, “History of Library Computerization.”,[58] Award of Merit - Association for Information Science and Technology.
|
| John Brademas
|
1981
|
U.S. Congressman (D, IN)
|
| Jacob Javits
|
1981
|
U.S. Senator (R, NY)
|
| Lawrence Clark Powell
|
1981
|
University Librarian, UCLA Library, President Bibliographical Society of America, author, professor in Residence University of Arizona.[59]
|
| Bessie Boehm Moore
|
1980
|
Served on Arkansas Library Commission for 38 years, member National Commission on Libraries and Information Science,
|
| Lowell A. Martin
|
1979
|
Educator, author,[60] consultant.[61][62]
|
| Frances Neel Cheney
|
1978
|
Reference expert reviewed over 6,000 books for Wilson Library Bulletin, author- Fundamental Reference Sources.[63][64]
|
| Fred C. Cole
|
1978
|
President, Council on Library Resources, President, Washington and Lee University, Special Commendation of Surgeon General, U.S. Navy.[65][66]
|
| William S. Dix
|
1978
|
Librarian, Princeton University, President, American Library Association, primary author of The Freedom to Read statement.[67]
|
| No Award
|
1977
|
|
| Robert B. Downs
|
1976
|
University Librarian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, President, American Library Association, President, Illinois Library Association, author.[68]
|
| Mary V. Gaver
|
1976
|
President, American Library Association, President American Association of School Librarians, Beta Phi Mu Award.
|
| Virginia Lacy Jones
|
1976
|
Dean, Atlanta University School of Library Sciences,[69] President, Association for Library and Information Science Education, Beta Phi Mu Award.
|
| Edmon Low
|
1976
|
Head librarian, Oklahoma State University 1940–1967 named in his honor: Edmon Low Library, President, Association of College and Research Libraries.
|
| Herman Liebaers
|
1976
|
Director general of the central Belgian Royal Library[70]
|
| Allie Beth Martin
|
1976
|
President, American Library Association, Director, Tulsa City-County Library, Oklahoma; author- A Strategy for Public Library Change[71]
|
| Daniel Melcher
|
1976
|
President, R.R. Bowker Company; chairman Gale Research Company, and trustee, Montclair Public Library.[72]
|
| Mary U. Rothrock
|
1976
|
Supervisor, Tennessee Valley Authority libraries, President, Tennessee Library Association and Southeastern Library Association, President, American Library Association.[73]
|
| Jesse H. Shera
|
1976
|
President, Association for Library and Information Science Education, library historian,[74]Beta Phi Mu Award, Award of Merit - Association for Information Science and Technology.[75]
|
| Alex P. Allain
|
1975
|
Intellectual Freedom advocate, Founder Freedom to Read Foundation, chair Louisiana Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, liaison officer in the French Navy during World War II[76]
|
| Augusta Baker
|
1975
|
Coordinator of Children's Services at New York Public Library, storyteller, known for contributions to children's literature, especially regarding the portrayal of Black Americans. Storyteller-in-Residence University of South Carolina.[77]
|
| William O. Douglas
|
1975
|
U.S. Supreme Court Justice
|
| Carl D. Perkins
|
1975
|
U.S. Congressman (D, KY)
|
| No Award
|
1974
|
|
| Germaine Krettek
|
1973
|
Director. American Library Association, Washington Office 1957–1972, secured funding for rural library service authorized under the Library Services Act.[78]
|
| David Horace Clift
|
1972
|
Executive Director, American Library Association, President, Connecticut Library Association, U.S. Army, Office of Strategic Services during World War II.[79]
|
| Luther H. Evans
|
1972
|
Librarian of Congress and Director-General of UNESCO.
|
| Charlemae Rollins
|
1972
|
Head librarian, children's department, Chicago Public Library, President, Association for Library Service to Children, winner of Coretta Scott King Award in 1971 for Black Troubadour: Langston Hughes
|
| Frank Francis
|
1971
|
British Museum Director.[80]
|
| Ralph R. Shaw
|
1971
|
Director, U.S. National Agricultural Library, Dean, Rutgers University Department of Library and Information Science, Founder, Scarecrow Press[81]
|
| Elizabeth Homer Morton
|
1970
|
Founding director of the Canadian Library Association. Order of Canada, 1968.[82]
|
| No Awards
|
1968–1969
|
|
| Verner Warren Clapp
|
1967
|
Library of Congress- many positions including Acting Librarian of Congress,[83] author,[84] founder of the United Nations Library,[85] President of the Council on Library Resources.
|
| John E. Fogarty
|
1966
|
U.S. Congressman (D, RI).[86]
|
| No Award
|
1965
|
|
| Joseph Lewis Wheeler
|
1964
|
Director, Enoch Pratt Free Library, author[87] Library War Service during World War I.
|
| Edwin C. Austin
|
1963
|
Chicago Attorney, American Library Association Trustee
|
| Keyes DeWitt Metcalf
|
1963
|
Director, Harvard Library,[88] President, American Library Association, author.[89]
|
| John Miller Chancellor
|
1962
|
Committee on Library Extension, Adult Education Specialist, author- The Library in the TVA Adult Education Program;[90]Helping Adults to Learn.[91]
|
| No Awards
|
1957–1961
|
|
| Lister Hill
|
1956
|
U.S. Senate (D, AL)
|
| No Award
|
1955
|
|
| Charles Harvey Brown
|
1954
|
Director, Iowa State University Library, U.S. Navy, World War I, founder Association of College and Research Libraries[92] president, American Library Association.
|
| Linda A. Eastman
|
1954
|
Head Librarian, Cleveland Public Library, president of the American Library Association.
|
| Carleton B. Joeckel
|
1954
|
Director, Berkeley Public Library, Captain in World War I-Silver Star, President, California Library Association and Michigan Library Association, Professor, University of Chicago Graduate Library School, author.[93][94]
[95][96]
|
| Carl Hastings Milam
|
1954
|
Executive Director, American Library Association, Library War Service in World War I, Director, United Nations Library.[97]
|
| No Award
|
1953
|
|
|
| Harry Miller Lydenberg
|
1952
|
Director, New York Public Library, President, American Library Association, author.[98][99]
|
| William Warner Bishop
|
1951
|
President, American Library Association, President, International Federation of Library Associations, advisor to the Vatican Library.[100]
|
| Helen E. Haines
|
1951
|
Author of Living with Books,[101] editor,[102] lecturer.[103]
|
| Robert MacDonald Lester
|
1951
|
Carnegie Foundation administrator.[104][105]
|
| Louis Round Wilson
|
1951
|
Dean, University of Chicago Graduate Library School-golden age of library education-.[106] The Louis Round Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina named for him. President, American Library Association
|
| No Award
|
1950
|
| David H. Stevens
|
1949
|
Professor, University of Chicago,[107] Director, Humanities Division of the Rockefeller Foundation, Advisor to Chicago Mayor's Commission
|
| No Awards
|
1946–1948
|
| Frederic G. Melcher
|
1945
|
"The greatest all-round bookman in the English-speaking world,"[108] President, R.R. Bowker, Originator Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal for children's literature.[109][110]
|
| Halsey William Wilson
|
1945
|
Publisher, founder of the H. W. Wilson Company, creator of the Readers' Guide, the Cumulative Book Index, and the Book Review Digest.
|
| No Awards
|
1943–1944
|
|
| Theodore S. Chapman
|
1942
|
American Library Association Attorney
|
| Frederick Paul Keppel
|
1942
|
President, Carnegie Corporation[111]
|
| No Award
|
1941
|
|
| Frank Pierce Hill
|
1940
|
Director, Newark Public Library, Chief Librarian Brooklyn Public Library, President, American Library Association.
|
| Herbert Putnam
|
1940
|
Librarian of Congress, Librarian, Boston Public Library, President, American Library Association.[112]
|
| John H. Finley
|
1939
|
Professor of Polities at Princeton University, and Commissioner of Education of the State of New York
|
| Ross A. Collins
|
1938
|
U.S. Congressman (D, MO).
|
| No Awards
|
1934–1937
|
|
| Richard Rogers Bowker
|
1933
|
Editor, Publishers Weekly and Harper's Magazine, and founder, R. R. Bowker Company.[113]
|
| William L. Clements
|
1933
|
"One of the great Americana collectors of his or any other generation.",[114] est. Bay City Public Library,[115] Benefactor to William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan.[116]
|
| Wilberforce Eames
|
1933
|
"Dean of American bibliographers,"Chief of the American History Division at the New York Public Library.[117]
|
| Charles Evans
|
1933
|
Founder of the American Library Association, Bibliographer-American Bibliography,[118][119][120] Director Indianapolis Public Library
|
| Daniel Berkeley Updike
|
1933
|
Printer who was "one of the finest representatives of the Arts and Crafts movement in American book arts,"[121] historian of typography, founder Merrymount Press, author of Printing Types: Their History, Forms and Use.[122]
|
| No Awards
|
1931–1932
|
|
| Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge
|
1930
|
Benefactor, worked with Library of Congress to construct Coolidge Auditorium.[123]
|
| Herbert Clark Hoover
|
1929
|
U.S. President, 1929–1933.
|
| No Award
|
1928
|
|
| Charles Alexander Nelson
|
1927
|
Bibliographer, cataloger of the Astor Library[124][125]
|
| No Awards
|
1920–1926
|
|
| Frank A. Vanderlip
|
1919
|
Library War Council Chairman, Founder, Federal Reserve System, Founder, first Montessori school in the United States,[126]
|
| No Awards
|
1900–1918
|
|
| Andrew Carnegie
|
1899
|
Industrialist and philanthropist. Funded 1,681 public library buildings in 1,412 U.S. communities between 1889 and 1923.[127]
|
| Bishop John H. Vincent
|
1898
|
Founder, Chautauqua Institution
|
| No Awards
|
1896–1897
|
|
| Willard Fiske, Daniel Coit Gilman, Edwin H. Grant, S. Hastings Grant, Reuben Aldridge Guild, Edward Everett Hale, Ezekiel A. Harris, Charles W. Jencks, and Anson Judd Upson.
|
1895
|
At the 1895 conference "all survivors of the Librarians Convention of 1853" were elected to honorary membership.[128]
|
| No Award
|
1894
|
|
| Henry Barnard
|
1893
|
U.S. Commissioner of Education.[129]
|
| No Awards
|
1880–1892
|
|
| Frederick O. Prince
|
1879
|
Mayor of Boston, Trustee and President, Boston Public Library advocated and oversaw construction of the library's McKim Building in Copley Square.
|
| Charles William Eliot
|
1879
|
President, Harvard University[130]
|