Friends of the National Library of Medicine Names Dr. Kristi Holmes as 2026 Medical Librarian of the Year
Washington, DC – The Friends of the National Library of Medicine (FNLM) is proud to announce that Kristi Holmes, PhD, has been named the 2026 Medical Librarian of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and sustained contributions to the field of health sciences librarianship at the local, national, and international levels.
Dr. Holmes serves as Associate Dean for Knowledge Management and Strategy and Director of the Galter Health Sciences Library and Learning Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She is also Director of Informatics and Data Science at the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute and Chief of Knowledge Management at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine.
A nationally recognized leader in shared knowledge ecosystems and evidence‑based approaches that strengthen transparency, collaboration, and research impact across the scientific community, Dr. Holmes has transformed how libraries, research institutions, and federal agencies use data to advance access, discovery, and health. Her work has redefined the role of the academic health sciences library as a catalyst for open science, translational research, and collaborative innovation.
The FNLM Medical Librarian of the Year Award—newly updated for 2026—honors professionals who demonstrate visionary leadership, mentorship, and measurable impact on the profession. Dr. Holmes exemplifies these qualities through her leadership in advancing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data practices, national evaluation initiatives, and cross-institutional collaboration.
“Dr. Holmes represents the very best of our profession—bringing together data, people, and systems to accelerate discovery and improve health outcomes,” said Dr. Barbara Redman, Friends of the National Library of Medicine Chair.
Dr. Holmes will be honored at the Friends of the National Library of Medicine Annual Gala and Awards Celebration on September 16, 2026, in Washington, DC. Organizations across healthcare, technology, publishing, and philanthropy are invited to join the Friends of the NLM in recognizing Dr. Holmes’ achievements and supporting the advancement of biomedical knowledge and innovation.
About the Friends of the National Library of Medicine
Established in 1986, the Friends of the National Library of Medicine is a coalition devoted to increasing public awareness and use of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Friends also calls attention to the NLM’s many programs in research, education, and public service.
Media Contact:
Sharon Watts
Director of Communications and Operations
Friends of the National Library of Medicine
Sharon_Watts@fnlm.org
202.213.7919
For Media Use, a headshot of Dr. Kristi Holmes is available upon request.
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