For the first time in Auburn University Libraries’ history, a Libraries project has received two national awards from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Celebrating 60 Years of Ralph Brown Draughon Library was honored in both the Best Development/Fundraising Film and Best Production Film categories voted on by the 125-member representatives during ARL’s 188th Membership Meeting, held in late April in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The award‑winning short film was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the naming of Ralph Brown Draughon (RBD) Library—celebrating its enduring role as the Heartbeat of Auburn University, the Keeper of History, and the Champion of Innovation. The film highlights the Libraries’ impact on generations of Auburn students, faculty, and researchers while looking ahead to the future of learning, scholarship, and service.
The RBD 60th Anniversary initiative was spearheaded by Nicole Lynch and extended well beyond the film itself. The project included an integrated marketing and philanthropic campaign that collectively raised more than $70,000 in support of Auburn University Libraries. Together, these efforts demonstrate the power of storytelling to inspire engagement, elevate institutional pride, and advance philanthropic support.
The film premiered during the RBD 60th Anniversary Celebration in April 2025, which was executed by the Libraries’ RBD 60th Anniversary Event Planning Team—Joanna Ashley, Tommy Brown, Brad Hughes, Emily Sahib, and Greg Schmidt. Their collaborative efforts brought the milestone celebration to life, and in recognition of their outstanding cross‑functional work, the team received the Libraries’ Collaboration Award this year.
About the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Founded in 1932, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a prestigious nonprofit organization representing approximately 125 of the leading research libraries in the United States and Canada. ARL membership is highly selective and reflects an institution’s research intensity, impact, and leadership in advancing scholarship and access to information.
ARL member institutions include many of the world’s most respected universities and research organizations, such as Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Duke University, Emory University, the University of Michigan, the University of California–Berkeley, UCLA, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Auburn University Libraries are proud to stand alongside peer ARL institutions including the University of Alabama, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M University, and Vanderbilt University. Auburn’s presence among these institutions underscores the Libraries’ standing as a leader in research support, collections, and academic engagement within the SEC and beyond.
The ARLIES Film Festival and Awards recognize excellence in library storytelling, communications, and creative engagement across ARL institutions. Awards highlight projects that demonstrate outstanding production quality, strategic advancement impact, and innovative approaches to sharing the value of research libraries with broad audiences.
Receiving two ARL awards places Auburn University Libraries on a national stage, affirming the Libraries’ leadership in advancement communications and creative engagement—and marking a historic milestone for the institution.
The complete video, Celebrating 60 Years of Ralph Brown Draughon Library, is available on YouTube and was featured as part of the 2026 ARLIES Film Festival and Award Ceremony.
