READS Award of Excellence 2017
Every Spring we post to our website and send out notification that we are accepting nominations for the READS Award of Excellence. The purpose of the Award of Excellence is to recognize outstanding contributions by an individual who has been instrumental in improving library services to adults. The nomination process involves filling out a three-page form. We appreciate all the directors, department heads and coworkers who take the time to fill out a nomination form.
After the forms are filled out, our Award Selection Committee carefully evaluates the nominees. The Award Selection Committee consists of the last two READS Past Presidents and the last three READS Award of Excellence recipients.
Last year we filled all the spaces on our Award of Excellence plaque with the names of our recipients. This plaque is now being housed at the State Library. This year’s winner will be the first name on our new plaque.
Every one of the nominees for the READS Award of Excellence has dedicated themselves to their communities above and beyond their share. Their passion for and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring.
This year’s winner is Roger Robbins from the Stephenson Memorial Library in Greenfield. The following is an excerpt from his nomination, submitted by Stephenson Memorial Library Director, Beverly Pietlicki:
2017: READS Secretary, Kersten Matera (left) presents the READS Award of Excellence to recipient, Roger Robbins (center). Roger was nominated by Beverly Pietlicki (right), Director at the Stephenson Memorial Library.
Roger has 17 years NH library experience. He has worked as a Reference librarian at Colby Sawyer College, Concord Public Library and Lebanon Public Library. He taught bibliographic instruction, developed research guides and supervised Interlibrary loan. Roger headed the migration of an ILS system to an open source system, has managed web pages and has been head cataloger. He has continually stepped up to the plate in assisting with Adult Services such as Reader’s Advisory, technology troubleshooting, managing adult volunteers, and coordinating outreach to a local adult independent living facility. He has created useful tools to train new employees and has developed special collection areas such as local and New England specific history collections. Having been a long time resident of New England, and accumulated experience working for several libraries, he is extremely resourceful in a meaningful and personal way with our patrons. He knows how to deal with the spectrum of our small town population with enviable grace and poise.
Congratulations Roger Robbins!