ReThinking Libraries Receives SERVICE of the YEAR in 2026 Modern Library Awards from LibraryWorks
We are thrilled to announce we have received a Service of the Year in LibraryWorks’ 12th annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs.) The MLAs were created to recognize the top products and services in the library industry in a truly unbiased format. Services were submitted in the fall using a simple application. These services were batched into small groups and sent to the LibraryWorks database of more than 80,000 librarians. Only customers with experience with the specific services were permitted to judge the applications, resulting in a truly unbiased score.
Each judge scored the product on a numeric basis from 1-10 on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer service, etc. The service with the highest qualifying score overall was awarded the coveted Service of the Year award.
“Our mission is to guide libraries as they engage their communities, examine their purpose, envision their future, and evolve to meet their future needs,” said RTL Principal Janet Nelson. “It’s gratifying to know that we’ve helped so many libraries improve their services and facilities in order to better meet the needs of their communities.”
ReThinking Libraries is a library consulting firm, founded in 2020. Our primary services are:
Strategic Planning
Facility Assessment and Analysis
Space Programming
Community Needs Assessment
Kathy Dempsey, producer of MLA program, said, “It’s hardly a surprise that ReThinking Libraries scored so well. They’ve been at the forefront of the industry since their company was formed in 2020.”
About ReThinking Libraries
ReThinking Libraries is passionate about understanding what it takes to be a successful and thriving future-ready library. As a national library consulting firm working with small rural libraries, large urban facilities, and everything in between, we help our clients engage their communities, envision the possibilities, and evolve to meet their needs for years to come. For over 20 years, the RTL team has been involved in numerous facilities projects, strategic plans, building programs, feasibility studies, community assessments, technology assessments, and other consulting work with hundreds of libraries across the United States.
About LibraryWorks
LibraryWorks helps administrators to make informed decisions about library technology, automation and software, collection development and management, facilities and furnishings, staffing, purchasing, and other areas that drive effective strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Our family of resources can enable you to identify best practices, monitor trends, evaluate new products and services, apply for grants and funding, post or find a job, and even enjoy some library humor.
About the Modern Library Awards program
The Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is a review program designed to recognize elite products and services in the market which can help library management personnel enhance the quality-of-experience for the library user and increase the performance of their library systems.
