[Society of American Archivists](https://www2.archivists.org)

February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline)

$250 cash prize and certificate (one-time award)

Recognizes innovative projects or tools that set standards or significantly impact archival descriptive practices in North America.

--- ## Description The C.F.W. Coker Award for Description honors projects, systems, and tools that demonstrate innovative development in archival description or significantly improve the production of effective finding aids. The award recognizes works that set national standards, serve as models for archival description, or have a substantial impact on descriptive practices within the archival profession. Eligible works include finding aids, finding aid systems, descriptive tools (such as thesauri and authority files), and collaborative or national-level projects that advance archival description. The award commemorates C.F.W. Coker, a leader in the archival field, and seeks to promote and reward excellence in descriptive practices that benefit the profession. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (Nomination submission deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $250 cash prize - Certificate of recognition - One-time award (no multi-year funding) --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals, institutions, or groups of individuals/institutions. - Eligible works must be projects located primarily in North America. - Both published and unpublished works produced during the preceding calendar year are eligible. - No restrictions on the format of submission. - The award is not intended for books or articles on descriptive theory. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online via the [nomination form](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45800-Society-Of-American-Archivists). - Review the nomination requirements and eligibility details before applying. - Only projects completed or significantly advanced in the preceding calendar year are considered. - Typically, nominations are due in February each year (next anticipated deadline: February 2027). --- ## Additional Information - The award is administered by the Coker Award Subcommittee of the Society of American Archivists. - Past recipients have included innovative digital archives, descriptive standards projects, and collaborative tools for the archival community. - The award has been given annually since 1984, though not every year has a recipient. --- ## External Links - [Program Page and Award Details](https://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-coker) - [Nomination Form and Application Portal](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45800-Society-Of-American-Archivists) - [Society of American Archivists Homepage](https://www2.archivists.org) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact SAA](https://www2.archivists.org/contact) | | Phone | (312) 606-0722 | | Address | 17 North State Street, Suite 1425, Chicago, IL 60602-4061, United States |

C.F.W. Coker Award for Description

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