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LIBRARY MOSAICS/COLT ANNUAL AWARDS
2003 OUTSTANDING SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sylvia Skene
The recipient of Library Mosaics' and the Council on Library/Media Technician's 2003 award for Outstanding Support Staff is Sylvia Skene, a library technician at the Advanced Education Media Acquisitions Centre, Langara College, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. ; The award is presented annually for noteworthy service by a library support staff member.
Ms. Skene has made significant contributions to the continuing growth and development of library support staff around the country through active involvement on both the local and national levels. She helped to spearhead the revitalization and reorganizati on of the moribund Library Technicians' and Assistants' Interest Group (LTAIG) of the British Columbia Library Association. Carol Elder, president, British Columbia Library Association, stated "Sylvia took up the call, and immediately became very involved, organizing informal meetings where people could share their thoughts comfortably, as well as professional development sessions and special projects for the Interest Group." With the support of her president, Sylvia also organized and implemented the 1st Annual Post-Secondary provincial support staff conference held at the Langara College. Sylvia will also be presenting a session at the upcoming British Columbia Library Association conference in May. Mary Anne Epp, director of contract administration, library services, Langara College, also states "Sylvia has always been active in the associations related to library technicians on a provincial, and international scale. She has put a lot of energy into maintain ing communications with alumni of the library technician program and acting as a mentor to others in the field.
Additionally, Ms. Skene is currently an editor and reviewer for ASSOCIATES: The Electronic Library Support Staff Journal. She is also a contributor and regular columnist of "Only Provoke" for Library Mosaics, the magazine for support staff. ; Sylvia has been an elected support staff representative on the Langara College Board.
For her efforts in promoting and organizing support staff, she has been presented with the 2003 Support Staff Award. She will also be featured in the May/June issue of Library Mosaics and will be recognized at the annual banquet of the Council on Library/ Media Technicians conference, Toronto, Canada, June 20, 2003. She will also receive a cash prize and a plaque describing her achievements.
2003 OUTSTANDING SUPPORTER OF SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD
Joe McKenzie
The winner of Library Mosaics' and the Council on Library/Media Technician's 2003 award for Outstanding Supporter of Support Staff is Joe McKenzie, director, Salina Public Library, Salina, Kansas. The award is presented annually for outstanding service to library support staff.
Mr. McKenzie was selected for his dedicated work on behalf of support staff as detailed in a letter of recommendation that was signed by members of his staff. Mr. McKenzie's letter described all the qualities that best epitomize a truly noteworthy support er of support staff. The following is an excerpt from this letter of recommendation.
"Joe has encouraged the staff to work to improve their environment. When non-MLS staff decided to organize and form a support staff group, he encouraged and supported it. His support helped staff negotiated with our library board for heal th care benefits and other compensation. The support that Joe gives the staff goes beyond believing in them and their abilities. Joe encourages and pushes staff to become the best at what they do. He ensures the budget has the money for staff to get the continuing education they need. Support staff under Joe's direction have been presenters at national conferences, attended the National Leadership Development Institute in 2000, attended MPLA and PLA, and are involved leaders within those organizations."
When Mr. McKenzie found that support staff did not feel they had much opportunity to share and learn about their day to day work, he began a project called SMART (Staff Meetings and Road Trips) and contacted library directors within the region and devised a schedule where staff members travel to other libraries to meet with members of their same departments. This has been a great benefit to both staff and librarians across the region as well as within the library.
For his efforts in supporting and encouraging support staff, he has been presented with the 2003 Outstanding Supporter of Support Staff award. Joe McKenzie will be featured in the May/June issue of Library Mosaics and will be recognized at the annual banquet of the Council on Library/Media Technicians conference, Toronto, Canada, June 20, 2003. He will also receive a cash prize and a plaque describing his achievements.
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