Awards made by the North Carolina Library Association and its sections/round tables honor those who have served the library profession well or who have demonstrated the potential to do so. Complete information including criteria and application forms may be obtained from the appropriate section/round table or committee.
A biennial award recognizing the contribution of an individual or a group who has actively promoted intellectual freedom in North Carolina. This award is donated by Social Issues Resources Series, Inc., to a recipient selected by the Intellectual Freedom Committee of NCLA. The award consists of $500 to the award recipient, $500 for materials to the library of the recipient's choice, and a plaque to the recipient.
Presented every two years, or when deemed appropriate, to a professional librarian or in memory of a deceased professional librarian. Criteria include distinguished professional library services to North Carolina, significant service or other professional contributions provided during either a short or long span of time, and service resulting in a regional or national impact on librarianship in general. This award is administered by the Membership Committee.
Distinguished Service Award Recipients
| 1989 | Annette Phinazee |
| Diana Young | |
| 1991 | Elizabeth Jordan Laney |
| 1993 | O. Mell Busbin, Jr. |
| 1995 | Edward G. Holley |
| 1997 | Gene Lanier |
Ray Moore Award
Presented to the author of the best article about public librarianship published in North Carolina Libraries during the preceding biennium. The winner of the award is chosen by the Editorial Board of North Carolina Libraries.