Kirstin Johnson Becomes BTAA-DEO Fellow Through 2022-2023 Department Executive Officer Program

Kirstin Johnson, Head of the Music and Performing Arts Library and University Library Professor, was one of 65 department heads and chairs from Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) universities to attend the Department Executive Officer Program.

This leadership development event focused on several topics including conflict resolution, group problem solving, and faculty development. 

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Lynne M. Thomas is a Finalist for World Fantasy Award

Lynne M. Thomas, the Head of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, was recognized as a finalist for the Special Award (Non-Professional) along with Michael Damian Thomas for their work in Uncanny. The World Fantasy Awards are given out to fantasy fiction publications and lifetime achievements in various art and literature. These awards are presented at the World Fantasy Convention, which is an annual gathering for people interested in light and dark fantasy art and literature. Thomas and other finalists will have a chance to be one of the winners at the 2022 World Fantasy Convention, which will be taking place at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Louisiana from November 3-6, 2022. 

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Kelli Trei as New Vice-Chair of the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) Executive Committee

The Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) has elected Kelli Trei as the new Vice-Chair of the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) Executive Committee for the 2022-2024 term. Kelli is also Biosciences Librarian at the Funk ACES Library and an Associate Professor. The BHL is the world’s most extensive digital library for biodiversity literature and archives. As a continuing member of the Executive Committee (formerly, Kelli served as Secretary), she will assist in the BHL’s commitment to making biodiversity literature and data freely accessible worldwide.

The University of Illinois Library has been a part of the Biodiversity Heritage Library since 2014. It contributes to the BHL bydigitizing its own historical science literature, which is then accessible to the public. When elected as the new Vice-Chair of the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) Executive Committee, Kelli commented, “I am deeply committed to the work of the BHL in democratizing scientific information, literature, and data and making it available to users the world over. I am excited to further expand my service to the BHL by continuing to build connections with other biodiversity organizations, support the chair and the rest of the Partners, and further the mission of the BHL: ‘Inspiring discovery through free access to biodiversity knowledge.'”

Again, congratulations to the University Library’s own, Kelli Trei!

To learn more about the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) and its mission, read here

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Elisandro Cabada is Named as the Library Journal 2022 Mover and Shaker for Innovation

Elisandro (Alex) Cabada is an Assistant Professor, Medical and Bioengineering Librarian, Director of the Grainger Engineering Library IDEA Lab, and now, one of the recipients of the 2022 Library Journal Movers and Shakers Award for Innovators. Recognized for his efforts in the integration and development of emerging technologies into library services, the award recognized him for his contributions to service and outreach. This achievement is distributed by the Library Journal and is given to those who applied a sense of care, both for themselves and others, in their future work, culture, and goals. As such, awardees have seen to focus on creating spaces for learning in libraries, service for patrons, accessibility, and contributing to equity, diversity, and inclusion both internally and in their community.

Cabada is recognized for his work at the Grainger Engineering Library, including the creation of the IDEA Lab, which provides support for emerging and immersive technologies (such as VR). His contributions also include the development of the Walter Library Breakerspace at the University of Minnesota, a technology-rich digital scholarship and innovation center, as well as, his current work with library services at Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Health Maker Lab campus network.

Commenting on this achievement, Cabada shares, “This award is for everyone who has helped me throughout my career. From my supervisors, mentors, colleagues, and family and friends, without their guidance, patience, and support I would not be so privileged to be involved in so many wonderful projects.”

Read more here about the Library Journal Movers and Shakers Awards.

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