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Two selected for excellence on 25th Anniversary of McLemore Awards
Director of Libraries Dr. Ellen Safley, center, congratulates 2013 winners of the McLemore Awards for Library Excellence, Agnes Wallace and Jesse Davis. Dr. Safley won the award in 1997.
A software/computer support technician and an acquisitions specialist from Eugene McDermott Library were presented the 2013 Ethel Ward-McLemore Award for Library Excellence during a May 20th banquet celebrating the 25th anniversary of the awards.
Jesse Davis, software/computer support, and Agnes Wallace, assistant head of Acquisitions and the Electronic Resources Team, received certificates and gold pins along with $1,000 each in recognition of their outstanding service and performance. Since the award was first presented in 1989, $50,000 has been presented to library employees through the endowment established by the late Ethel-Ward McLemore.
The awards were presented by Director of Libraries Dr. Ellen Safley, after remarks by Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Hobson Wildenthal.
In a confidential nomination to the selection committee, Wallace was singled out - “Her assistance in the day-to-day running of Acquisitions is invaluable, and her ability to teach and train is second to none. She is kind, understanding, and patient with her staff members. She asks the tough questions.”
Both Wallace and Davis came to McDermott Library in 2008. She joined the staff and moved up to assistant head of Acquisitions in 2012. When the head of Acquisitions left last year she stepped in as interim head of the department to provide leadership. Another colleague wrote, “She suddenly took on an enormous load of responsibility at the time of the fairly hasty resignation of her supervisor and somehow managed to keep her department functioning smoothly. We all owe her a debt of gratitude.”
A native of New Jersey, Wallace currently lives in Plano with her husband Jim. They have two children - Haley and Kate. Agnes enjoys needlepoint in her spare time.
A nomination for Davis stated, “Jesse acts but does not react to the problems and temperaments of the staff, which makes solving the issue easy if not pleasant. He handles problems with a high priority, regardless of the problem size.” And also, “His interpersonal and communication skills have been great assets. His understanding of the complexities and workings of the library is one of the necessary skills.”
When Davis’ immediate supervisor left, he took over the extra duties and considered the tasks a learning opportunity. He also lives in Plano and is a native of Hawkins, Texas. Jesse likes to lift weights at the gym. He has a son, Alphoso, and a daughter, Crystal.
A special guest at the banquet was Mrs. Margaret (Peggy) Olsson who was one of the first recipients of the award in 1989. Peggy managed the Library’s instruction program until her retirement in 1997.
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| UT Dallas Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Hobson Wildenthal addresses the library staff at the McLemore Awards ceremony. | Two past McDermott Library employees and winners of the McLemore Award are Peggy Olsson (1989) and Patsy Aguilera (1998). |
Ward-McLemore, a geophysicist, conducted research in the Geological Information Library of Dallas. She was provided an office in McDermott Library to continue her research. There she experienced the professionalism, knowledge and service of the library staff. She showed her appreciation by establishing the awards program.
Ethel Ward-McLemore Award for Library Excellence Honor Roll of Winners
1989 – Pat Rudkin (Cataloging), Peggy Olsson (Reference)
1990 – Henry Reed (Access Services), Peg Evans (Acquisitions)
1991 – Linda Snow (Reference), Sheila Blankenship (Access Services)
1992 – Vickie Bullock (Interlibrary Loan), Rick Biddenstadt (Photography)
1993 – Jane Hoorman (Acquisitions), Jean Vik (Automation)
1994 – Lila Babcock (Access Services), Toni Huckaby (Special Collections)
1995 – Nancy Whitt (Cataloging), Joan Aquatero (Automation)
1996 – Darlene Ricketts (Administration), Allen Clayton (Callier Library)
1997 – Ellen Safley (Reference), Nancy Steele (Government Documents)
1998 – Lynn Butler (Administration), Patsy Aguilera (Acquisitions)
1999 – Gaby Perkowski (Corporate Information Services),
Denyse Henery (Administration)
2000 – Jane Darling (Reference), Mary Caspari (Administration)
2001 – Shaun Proctor (Circulation), Debbie Montgomery (Cataloging)
2002 – Sharon Deal (Reference), Ruth Oldham (Cataloging)
2003 – Debbie Gilbert (Circulation), Tiah Lambert (Cashier)
2004 – Merry Trujillo (Stacks Maintenance), Loreen Phillips (Reference)
2005 – Mircea Grancea (Circulation), Thamoures Elyasi (Library Information
Technology Services)
2006 – Mary Ann Harrison (Stacks Maintenance), Serenity King (Technical Services)
2007 – Sue McInis (Cataloging), Carol McGee (Administration)
2008 – Carol Oshel (Reference), Tom Koch (Communications)
2009 – Jach Ross (Administration), Susie Kutchi (Information Literacy)
2010 – Jennifer Gordon (Electronic Reserves), Abdullah Daud (Digital Librarian)
2011 – Paul Oelkrug (Special Collections), Michelle Sancen (Circulation, Media)
2012 – Misu Kim (Cataloging), Lauren Hawthorne (Circulation)
2013 – Agnes Wallace (Acquisitions), Jesse Davis (Software/Computer Support)
PARDON OUR PROGRESS!
Eugene McDermott Library
is expanding student study areas
From May 20 to May 27, 2013 the areas behind the Information Commons toward the back of 2nd floor will be drilled for wiring new computer stations and study tables. Please be careful while the drilling is in progress. We regret any disruption this may cause but hope you understand while we continue to improve our services to students.
Leaving a Mark: Bookplates Acknowledge Friends of Library
Donors are using bookplates to make a lasting impression on the Eugene McDermott Library and to help move the library closer to its $500,000 goal for Realize the Vision, the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Read more
McDermott Library now offers Charging for Mobile devices
Mobile technology is, almost by definition, everywhere. The smart phones and similar devices that have unchained us from our desks have one weakness: battery life. The more avid the user, the more time he or she spends looking for opportunities for a recharge. To serve our “plugged in” users, Eugene McDermott Library now boasts a multi-device charging station in our Information Commons area.
The idea to offer charging stations was brought to us by the McDermott Student Advisory Group (MSAG), a select group of students who meet periodically to discuss library service issues and have a voice in library policy and development. Inspired by similar devices offered in public buildings like airports and the Jindal School of Management, MSAG members suggested a charging station in the library. MSAG Library staff members took this suggestion to Library Director Dr. Ellen Safley.
Initially there were concerns about the devices. They can be costly. Cheaper options designed for home use do not stand up to hundreds of users over the course of a semester. The library staff was also concerned that users would expect them to be responsible for the security of devices left on the charger. These concerns were overcome by careful comparison shopping to choose the best unit and careful sign writing.
The location was selected by Circulation staff, headed by Circulation Services Manager Debbie Gilbert-Stadigh. We wanted the charging station to be in a popular part of the library. You will find the charging station in the Information Commons on the 2nd floor. A large UT Dallas logo makes the device visible from across the room. Made by Kwikboost, it has built in adaptors for all major mobile devices. A cheery label invites users to “Get Charged at the Library,” while warning, “Your phone, your responsibility.” If you are taking advantage of the charging station, please plan to find a seat nearby where you can keep an eye on your phone or tablet.
