ACL member libraries provide a variety of innovative and new services, programs, and resources to their campus communities. The ACL Award for Excellence in Innovation seeks to recognize these member libraries that are seeking to improve library service on their campus. As ACL member libraries have varying staff sizes and serve a wide variation of populations, this award recognizes that what is innovative for one library will differ from another library and that each library is committed to serving its unique campus community. In addition, innovation may be exhibited in a wide variety of ways which may include one-time events, an annual program, or ongoing service as examples.
Messiah University – Mechanicsburg, PA
Murray Library
Library Director: Janet Vogel
Submitting ACL Member: Liz Kielley
Topic: AI Literacy Initiative
The 2026 Award for Excellence in Innovation is awarded to the Murray Library staff at Messiah University for their innovative AI Literacy Initiative. This initiative demonstrates the leadership of the Murray Library librarians in responding to emerging technologies through collaboration, instruction, and mission-centered innovation.
Attendees of the 2026 ACL Conference can learn more during the Monday, June 8 session, Future Focused: Designing a ChatGPT Workshop for First-Year University Students, which will offer insights into the development and implementation of this interactive workshop.
Librarians at Murray Library at Messiah University recognized a growing need to equip students, faculty, and staff to use generative artificial intelligence ethically and effectively. In collaboration with the Provost’s office, campus IT, and the university AI Task Force, the librarians developed a pilot instruction session for the First Year Seminar program, along with workshops for employees and other campus groups.
Participant feedback indicated increased confidence and a deeper understanding of responsible AI use. To further support digital competency across the curriculum, the librarians also created an online AI resource guide. This guide includes practical tools, ethical considerations, and a dedicated section exploring artificial intelligence through a Christian faith perspective.
This initiative highlights the leadership of Murray Library librarians in responding to emerging technologies through thoughtful collaboration, intentional instruction, and mission-centered innovation.
Is your library doing something new and innovative? Consider sharing by completing an application.
DEADLINE: October 15 SUBMIT APPLICATION
Criteria to apply:
- A staff member of the applying library must be a current ACL member.
- The innovation must be something you have implemented for the first time or significantly updated in your library within the past academic year (12-18 months).
- Winning applicants must be willing to present their library innovation as a workshop or poster presentation at the following year’s ACL conference and/or write an article about their innovation for The Christian Librarian.
Judging Criteria:
- Impact on the library
- How the innovation helps the library to better achieve its mission
- Impact on their campus, specifically students or faculty, or the wider community
- Extent to which the innovation was implemented at optimum levels
- Sustainability of the idea (if applicable)
Judges:
Applications will be judged by a committee of ACL members representing various sized institutions. Judges will not be from libraries that have submitted applications.
Award:
Past Recipients
2025 – MidAmerica Nazarene University – MNU Mabee Library
2024 – Southwest Assemblies of God University (now Nelson University) – Nelson Memorial Library
2023 – Russell School of Ministry – Elliott Library
2022 – Colorado Christian University – The Clifton L. Fowler Library
2021 – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Library