We would like to congratulate and recognize the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library faculty and academic professionals on the leadership they provide beyond our campus. A list of those elected or appointed to positions in professional associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations this past summer is presented below.

Beginning in Spring 2025, we will release a new series alongside our triannual recognition of Presentations and Publications by Library Faculty and Academic Professionals, recognizing Professional Service.

We would like to congratulate and recognize the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library faculty and academic professionals on the leadership they provide beyond our campus. A list of those elected or appointed to positions in professional associations, advocacy groups, and other organizations this past spring is presented below.

• Mary Schlembach, Head, Chemistry Library; Chemistry and Physical Sciences Librarian; and Professor: Appointed to Joint Information Systems Committee (Jisc) Open Policy Finder Advisory Committee

Jessica Ballard-Lawrence, Assistant Professor and Archivist for Multicultural Collections and Services, has been appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to serve on the State Historic Preservation Board for a three-year term. She was selected for her expertise in library studies and archival work in Illinois.

The Board plays a vital role in preserving the state’s historic legacy, including listing and de-listing historic sites, advising on conservation efforts, and ensuring that stories of historically excluded communities are represented in the state’s historic portfolio.

“I am deeply honored to be selected to serve in this appointment. The state of Illinois has many rich histories shaped by the numerous communities that inhabit the state. I look forward to working with the other board members who represent multiple regions of Illinois. These integral histories of the state’s development both known and unknown will hopefully have an opportunity to be more widely available and it is incredibly meaningful to serve in this capacity,” said Ballard-Lawrence.

Congratulations to Ballard-Lawrence on this well-deserved recognition and important service to Illinois!

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit, public-benefit organization that advances the interests of library and information associations, libraries and information services, librarians, and the communities they serve worldwide. Leaders at the IFLA serve two-year terms and help shape the future of global librarianship. The following University Library faculty and staff have been elected to leadership positions at the IFLA:

1. Mandi Arlain – Social Science Libraries, Standing Committee
2. Sara Benson* – North America Regional Division Committee
3. Clara Chu – Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression & North America Regional Division Committee
4. Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe – Governing Board
5. Ruthann Mowry – Rare Books and Special Collections Section, Standing Committee
6. Peggy Nzomo – Library Services for Multicultural Populations Section, Standing Committee
7. Anna Oates Schlaack – Cataloging Section, Standing Committee
8. William Schlaack – News Media Section, Standing Committee

“Our Library is a global leader, and this level of engagement is reflective of our importance and our commitment to global information equity,” said Claire Stewart, Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian.

Congratulations to our faculty and staff on being recognized for their incredible leadership! We look forward to seeing the work they do as they drive the future of libraries worldwide.

*Benson also serves as the Head of the IFLA Delegation to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)