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.

JJ Pionke is an Applied Health Sciences Librarian at the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library who received the Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award within the Excellence in Access & Accommodations Category. Awarded by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, it recognizes the achievements and contributions of faculty, academic professionals, and civic service employees who made an impact in creating and maintaining an inclusive, learning, living, and working community at Illinois through teaching, research, hiring practices, advocacy, programs, and events. The award itself was created and dedicated to Dr. Larine Y. Cowan, who had made efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1982-1999, and the award reflects a commitment to human rights advocacy, social justice, and diversity.

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Joseph Hall-Ingram, a library specialist at Grainger Engineering Library was one of the sixteen civil service employees awarded with the Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award (CDSA) by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award recognizes exceptional performance and with COVID-19, had honored employees, like Hall-Ingram, who have helped manage issues regarding the pandemic.  

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