The LPC Award for Exemplary Service recognizes substantial contributions by an LPC community member to advancing the mission, vision, and values of the Library Publishing Coalition. This year we had a particularly impressive and competitive pool of nominations, reflecting the strength of contributions of our membership.
On behalf of the LPC Board, we are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 2026 award is Sonya Betz, for her work as a connector, advocate, and community builder. In particular, the nominators and LPC Board noted the significance of Sonya’s impact in growing the Canadian library publishing community presence in LPC and the development of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries’ Library Publishing Community Engagement Team (LPCET). In the latter case, her work helped ensure strong connections between LPC and LPCET, including a dedicated seat on LPCET for an LPC member institution. Sonya additionally served on the LPC Board from 2023-26, including service as its Secretary and unseen key roles in shaping programs such as the Library Publishing Creates campaign.
A statement from Sonya:
I am deeply honoured to be selected for the LPC’s Exemplary Service Award. This community has been such an important part of my professional journey in library publishing, and I’ve been so supported, uplifted and inspired by all of you! It was such a pleasure serving on the Board, and LPC’s openness to exploring creative solutions to engaging with the Canadian community of library publishers, and unwavering support in moving forward, were foundational to the creation of the LPCET. I feel so fortunate to be one small part of this amazing organization, and really proud of what we are accomplishing together.
Sonya will receive a complimentary registration to the 2027 Library Publishing Forum and a $500 honorarium.