Awards Programs
ARSC Awards for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research
Administered by the ARSC Awards Committee.
The ARSC Awards for Excellence are presented to authors and publishers of books, articles, or recording liner notes, to recognize outstanding published research in the field of recorded sound. In giving these awards, ARSC recognizes the contributions of these individuals and aims to encourage others to emulate their high standards and to promote readership of their work. A maximum of two awards is presented annually in each category—one for best history and one for best discography. Certificates of Merit are presented to runners-up of exceptionally high quality.
The deadline for Awards for Excellence submissions is December 31 of year the work was published. Awards are announced each fall and presented at a ceremony during the next ARSC Annual Conference.
View ARSC Awards for Excellence Winners:
2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
View ARSC Awards for Excellence Finalists:
Read about the ARSC Awards for Excellence Program
ARSC Lifetime Achievement Award
ARSC Award for Distinguished Service to Historical Recordings
Administered by the ARSC Awards Committee.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual in recognition of a life's work in recorded sound research and publication. The Award for Distinguished Service to Historical Recordings honors a person who has made outstanding contributions to the field, outside of published works or discographic research. View ARSC Lifetime Achievement & Distinguished Service to Historical Recordings Award Winners
ARSC Award for Independent Initiatives
Administered by the ARSC Independent Initiatives Committee.
The ARSC Award for Independent Initiatives is presented to individuals who are advancing the field of recorded sound on their own time and their own dime. Awards of up to $10,000 are given annually with no strings attached. The award supports the work of the individual, advances the field by publicizing their work, and seeks to inspire others to independently undertake their own initiatives in recorded sound.
Read the ARSC Award for Independent Initiatives guidelines
ARSC Journal Best Article and Best Review of the Year Awards
Administered by the ARSC Journal Editorial Advisory Board.
The ARSC Journal Best Article and Best Review of the Year Awards recognize an article and a review that contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and/or appreciation of the role of recorded sound in the establishment and preservation of our cultural heritage. The article or review must be substantially original and not previously published and must embody the highest standards of research: accuracy, thoroughness, ingenuity and originality in research and analysis, and a logical and accessible presentation.
View ARSC Journal Best Article and Best Review of the Year Awards Winners
Distinguished Service to ARSC Award
Administered by the ARSC Board of Directors.
Inaugurated in 2012, this annual award recognizes members who, over an extended period, have contributed significantly to ARSC and the furtherance of its goals.
View Distinguished Service to ARSC Award Winners
Honorary Members
Administered by the ARSC Board of Directors.
This award is conferred by the ARSC Board on an occasional basis to recognize notable service.