The Distinguished Service Award honors an SDLA member who has made notable contributions to the library profession or has significantly furthered development of libraries in SD, or has performed exemplary service for an extended period of time. The award was given occasionally by proclamation of the SDLA Executive Board through 1993, when it became a permanent annual award.

• 2008 Colleen Kirby, SD State Library, Pierre
• 2005 Joe Edelen, University of SD
• 2003 Ann Eichinger, SD State Library
• 2002 Fay Jackman, Mobridge Public Schools and Lola Harens, Yankton Community Library
• 2001 Betty Veit, Faith Public Library
• 1999 Dorothy Liegl, SD State Library, Pierre
• 1998 Delores Berger, Waubay School District Library
• 1997 Carol Davis, Rapid City Regional Hospital Library
• 1995 Leon Raney, H.M. Briggs Library, SDSU, Brookings
• 1994 Dora Ann Jones, BHSU Library, Spearfish and Margaret Moxon, Huron High School
• 1993 Dolores Eggen, Sisseton Memorial Library
• 1992 Jane Kolbe, SD State Library
• 1984 Bob Carmack, I.D. Weeks Library, USD, Vermillion
• 1983 Winifred Zieman, Midland Community Library
• 1980 Vince Anderson, SD State Library, Pierre

• 2002 MPLA Literary Contribution Award: Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, Rapid City, SD