The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) has been honored with the prestigious 2023 AASLH Award of Excellence for its groundbreaking podcast, Material Memory Season 3: HBCU Library Alliance Tour. Presented by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), this accolade recognizes outstanding contributions in preserving state and local history.

In its third season, Material Memory, hosted by Sharon M. Burney, explores libraries at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The podcast highlights the significance of their collections and their impact on communities. Over eight compelling episodes, thought-provoking conversations delve into questions of history, identity, and the challenges faced by these institutions. The discussions also address the role of cultural heritage institutions in preserving Black culture.

Material Memory takes listeners on a captivating tour of six HBCU libraries, spotlighting the individuals behind the collections and showcasing the crucial role of these institutions in their communities. The journey spans from Baltimore, Maryland, to Charlotte, North Carolina; from Columbia, South Carolina, to Lorman, Mississippi; and from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Nashville, Tennessee. The podcast examines the impact of HBCU library collections on both local and global society.

Listen to Material Memories here!