Nelson Santana, Associate Professor and Deputy Chief & Collection Development Librarian, has been honored with the 2026 Community College Library Leadership Award by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievement in community college library leadership, highlighting individuals whose work advances the profession and supports the needs of community college students.

Santana was selected for his scholarly contributions and extensive service to the library profession through both local and national organizations. Laura Mondt, Chair of the Community and Junior College Libraries Section (CJCLS) Awards Committee, praised Santana’s impact, noting that his work “continues to advance the profession while centering the needs of community college libraries and their students.”

Santana’s accomplishments extend beyond this award. In 2025, he was elected Vice President of the Seminar for the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials (SALALM) for the 2025–2026 term and will serve as President in 2026–2027. He also received the “I Love My Librarian” Award, further recognizing his dedication to elevating Latin American and Latinx librarianship.

Congratulations to Nelson Santana on this well-deserved honor and for continuing to bring distinction to BCC and the broader library community!