Ray N. Moore, of the Durham Public Library, was the first African american to serve on the editorial board of North Carolina Libraries.  Her participation fostered the publication of articles in NCL about the history of librarians and library services in the African American community.  Her dedicated professional service is commemorated at each biennial NCLA Conference by the presentation of the Ray N. Moore Award to the author of the best article on public libraries published in North Carolina Libraries during the preceding two years.

The members of the NCL editorial board review all the articles specifically dealing with public libraries and presenting ideas applicable to libraries in North Carolina.  A special form (html or Word) is used by each board member to evaluate each article.  The board meets to discuss the results of the evaluations and to reach consensus on the winner.