Flathead Valley Community College library earns national excellence award
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The staff of the Flathead Valley Community College’s Broussard Family Library includes Christopher Vernon, Morgan Ray and Carrie Nelson. (Courtesy photo)
Flathead Valley Community College’s Broussard Family Library has been named a recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award for Community & Junior College Libraries from the Association of College and Research Libraries.
The national award recognizes academic librarians and staff who work together as a team to develop academic libraries that are outstanding in furthering the educational missions of their institutions.
“The library at Flathead Valley Community College has outstanding collaborations with internal campus units and external community partners, all in support of the Flathead Valley Community College,” shared Beth McNeil, Chair of the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Committee. “The library is a true community hub, with a small but mighty staff!”
The library impressed the award committee with its ability to be nimble and adaptive, focusing on community building through conversations with patrons to constantly improve offerings. Three recent examples include the creation of the FVCC Archives, redesign of the One Button Studio and co-founding the Small Libraries Interest Group in collaboration with The University of Montana Western. The library additionally developed a Makerspace for students, looking for coursework and program offerings to guide the acquisition of technology items in the space. The space is well-stocked with innovative technology, such as a GlowForge laser engraver, resin and filament 3D printers, sewing machines, stained glass, button makers, custom form makers and more.
“We are beyond honored to receive the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award for Community & Junior College Libraries,” said Morgan Ray, FVCC Director of Library Services. “Serving FVCC students, employees and our local community has always been our north star, and we are proud and thankful to see this work recognized in the larger library community.”
Ray noted how the library serves learners of all ages and how honored the team is to represent Montana and rural community colleges.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to be nimble and adaptive to help move the conversation from passive consumption of information to knowledge creation and application. Receiving this award is a sign that we continue to move in the right direction.”
FVCC was one of just two institutions nationwide to receive the 2026 award, alongside the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press for the University Libraries category. Learn more about the FVCC Library and its programs at fvcc.edu/library.