Library faculty, staff recognized at annual award celebration
The 2019 University of Kansas Libraries faculty and staff award winners were formally recognized at the 13th annual Celebration of Excellence event on September 26.
The libraries are delighted to announce the 2019 award recipients:
Karen Cook: Gretchen and Gene A. Budig Distinguished Librarian Award
The recipient of the 2019 Budig Distinguished Librarian Award is Karen Cook, special collections librarian.
The Gretchen and Gene A. Budig Distinguished Librarian Award is presented annually to a library faculty member who demonstrates meritorious professional performance and service. Endowed by the Budigs in 2001, the award is intended to recognize the lifetime achievements of an individual.
Cook was recognized for her expertise, research output and scholarship in the field of maps and mapmaking. She uses her generosity and knowledge to advance the mission of the libraries and the university.
Betsaida Reyes: Anschutz-Budig Outstanding Librarian Award
The recipient of the 2019 Anschutz-Budig Outstanding Librarian Award is Betsaida Reyes, associate librarian for Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
The Anschutz-Budig Outstanding Librarian Award is presented annually to a library faculty member who demonstrates outstanding initiative in recent professional performance.
Reyes was awarded for her commitment to equity and inclusion within her work, pertaining specifically to international students and students of color. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Women of Color Support Network at the university.
Michelle Curttright and Brian Moss: KU Libraries Staff Excellence Awards
The 2019 KU Libraries Staff Excellence Award winners are Michelle Curttright, library annex manager, and Brian Moss, reference services manager.
The Staff Excellence Award is presented to two employees each year who demonstrate a standard of excellence in work and a significant contribution to the University of Kansas Libraries.
Curttright was selected as a consistent top performer who shows excellent work competence and dedication to the libraries. She is well known amongst colleagues as a creative problem solver with superior technological skills.
Moss was recognized for his excellent customer service skills, shown by his expert management of the research help desks at Anschutz and Watson Libraries and Ask a Librarian services. His eagerness to take on new tasks was also noted, as Moss recently assumed consultation and instruction duties within the libraries’ International Collections unit.