Posted on

Dr. Elizabeth Curry selected for 2017 ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award

Headshot_Elizabeth CurryDr. Elizabeth Curry, Dean, University of North Florida Thomas G. Carpenter Library, has been selected for the 2017 Leadership & Professional Achievement Award administered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

“Often described by her peers as a creative problem solver who successfully facilitates process-oriented solutions, Curry is frequently sought out for strategic planning efforts, leadership training and complex project planning endeavors. Curry led a myriad of cutting-edge projects with the Southeast Florida Library Information Network, where she set the stage for libraries’ future leaders by implementing the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute, which is still active today”, said nominator, Barbara Stites, Ph.D.

“Curry is not only a proven strong leader at the local and national levels, she is also a teacher of leaders. She has influenced the next generation of emerging leaders in Florida through the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute. As the content creator and facilitator for the first three years of the program, as a mentor in later years, her continued influence on these librarians cannot be overstated”, stated Bradley Ward, former colleague.

Curry will be honored at the ASCLA Achievement Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10-11:30am at the Hilton Chicago during ALA Annual Conference. Breakfast will be provided. All conference attendees are invited to attend the event. See additional event details.

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, enhances the effectiveness of library service by advocating for and providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members, who represent state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, library cooperatives and library consultants.

Posted on

William “Will” R. Reed selected for ASCLA’s Cathleen Bourdon Service Award

Headshot_Will ReedWilliam “Will” R. Reed, Manager, Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, Cleveland Public Library, has been selected for the 2017 Cathleen Bourdon Service Award administered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

“Will has proven to be a tireless advocate for information access and reading opportunities to individuals with print disabilities as noted with his work with the Library Services for People with Visual and Physical Disabilities Forum (LSPVPDF) as well as his role as a working team member to revise the Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and the Physically Handicapped”, said nominator Ruth J. Nussbaum. “I particularly appreciate his excellent working relationships with colleagues and his ability to form consensus”, Nussbaum added.

Colleagues specifically highlight Reed’s expertise, approachability and influence with the use of Adaptive Technology. Reed developed a model of service delivery for libraries serving people with print disabilities. This model is successfully used at the D.C. Public Library where it helped them to build their JAWS curriculum into a powerful force for Adaptive Technology training, employment and entrepreneurship.

Reed will be honored at the ASCLA Achievement Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10-11:30am at the Hilton Chicago during ALA Annual Conference. Breakfast will be provided. All conference attendees are invited to attend the event. See additional event details.

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, enhances the effectiveness of library service by advocating for and providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members, who represent state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, library cooperatives and library consultants.

Posted on

Kathleen Hegarty named 2012 winner of ASCLA Exceptional Service Award

Read the official press release from ALA here.

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will posthumously honor Kathleen Hegarty, Boston Public Library (retired), with the 2012 ASCLA Exceptional Service Award.

The ASCLA Exceptional Service Award is a citation presented to recognize exceptional service to patients, to the homebound, to people of all ages who live in group homes or residences and to inmates, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity and significant research of experimental projects. Hegarty was notified of winning the award prior to her death on Jan. 28, 2012.Read her American Libraries Magazine obituary here.

Hegarty earned her MLS from Simmons College. She spent the duration of her library career at Boston Public Library, where she served as the coordinator of adult services (1962-74), staff officer for programs and public relations (1974-85) and the founder and director of the Access Center for People with Disabilities from 1985 until her retirement in 1999. An active member of ASCLA and LSSPS since 1985, Hegarty served as chair of many Division and Section committees and forums, as well as chair of the Task Force on Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) Bylaws, and was one of the founding committee members of the ASCLA Century Scholarship. She was most recently elected as ASCLA Secretary.

Hegarty left her mark on BPL and the library community with her innovative and groundbreaking services and programs. Making creative use of federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funds, she forged numerous new cutting-edge services for special populations during her tenure at Boston Public Library, including the “Homesmobile” library services to nursing homes and the homebound, which continues to operate to this day. She also served as director of the Boston Public Library’s NEHLearning Library, the first such learning library in the United States. For more than 30 years she coordinated special programs and services which included weekly educational programs for older adults.

“Kathleen’s pioneering efforts at the Boston Public Library and her dedication to improving services for older adults and persons with disabilities has insured continued leadership, professional growth and sustainability within the profession,” said Norma Blake, ASCLApresident. “She also worked tirelessly to enhance the stature, reputation and overall strength of ASCLA, and we are so grateful for her investment in our organization.”

Hegarty will be honored at the ASCLA/COSLA Networking Party and Awards Reception, which will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012 at one of the ALA Annual Conference hotels in Anaheim, Calif. All conference attendees are invited to this event, which will celebrate this year’s ASCLA award winners and also feature peer-to-peer networking activities. More information will be available at www.ala.org/ascla in late spring.