Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and Non-Fiction

Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and Non-Fiction is a prestigious American literary award presented annually by the American Library Association. It recognizes the best fiction and non-fiction books for adult readers published in the United States in the preceding year. Established in 2012, the award is named for philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and reflects his lifelong support for libraries and education. The medals are considered among the highest honors in contemporary American literature, celebrating works of exceptional literary merit and readability.

History and establishment

The award was created in 2012 through a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the philanthropic foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. Its creation was spearheaded by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, with the intent to provide a single, high-profile award for adult books. The medal succeeded the long-standing but discontinued RUSA Notable Books Council list, aiming to offer a more focused and prestigious honor akin to the Newbery Medal for children's literature. The establishment coincided with the centennial of Andrew Carnegie's library philanthropy program, which had funded the construction of over 2,500 public libraries worldwide, including many across the United States and in the United Kingdom.

Selection process and criteria

The selection process is administered by the American Library Association through its division, the Reference and User Services Association. A committee of expert librarians, appointed from the RUSA Collection Development and Evaluation Section, undertakes the judging. The committee considers books written by American authors and published in the United States in the preceding calendar year. Key criteria include literary quality, originality, and the book's potential to appeal to a broad adult reading public. The process involves a longlist announcement, followed by the selection of three finalists in each category, with the winners announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. The jury's deliberations are informed by professional reviews from sources like Booklist and Library Journal.

Recipients and notable works

Recipients of the medal include many acclaimed authors and significant works in contemporary literature. Early fiction winners include The Round House by Louise Erdrich and The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, the latter also winning the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Notable non-fiction winners have encompassed a wide range of subjects, from The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert to Evicted by Matthew Desmond. Other distinguished honorees include Téa Obreht for Inland, James McBride for The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, and Robert A. Caro for his biographical work on Robert Moses. The list of finalists frequently features authors recognized by other major institutions like the Man Booker Prize and the PEN America literary awards.

Significance and impact

The award holds significant stature within the literary and library communities, serving as a trusted guide for librarians in collection development and readers' advisory. Winning or being named a finalist often leads to increased visibility, sales, and library circulation for the honored books, akin to the effect of the Pulitzer Prize or the National Book Critics Circle Award. By being administered by librarians, the medal emphasizes the role of public libraries as cultural curators and champions of literary excellence. Its association with Andrew Carnegie's legacy directly connects contemporary literary achievement to the historic mission of providing free public access to knowledge and enrichment through institutions like the New York Public Library.

Administration and funding

The award is administered by the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association, with ongoing support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The ALA Publishing department provides additional logistical and promotional support. Each winner receives a monetary prize and a medal, with funds covering administrative costs, juror expenses, and award ceremonies typically held at the ALA Annual Conference. The partnership between the philanthropic foundation and the professional library association ensures the award's sustainability and aligns with the educational missions of both Carnegie Corporation of New York and the American Library Association.

Category:American literary awards Category:American Library Association awards