Allison Kelley of CRKN named 2010 CACUL New Academic Librarian of the Year

(Ottawa, April 19, 2010) The Canadian Association of College and University Libraries (CACUL) is pleased to announce that the winner of the New Academic Librarian of the Year Award for 2010 is Allison Kelley.

As the Member Services Officer for the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN), Ms. Kelley is instrumental in the delivery of innovative services on a national scale.  CRKN’s mission is to expand digital content for the academic research enterprise in Canada through the coordinated leadership of librarians, researchers, and administrators at 73 member universities.  The challenge of Ms. Kelley’s position lies not only in the large number of institutions and individuals, but also in the constantly changing nature of electronic publishing.

Undaunted, Ms. Kelley successfully led the development of an innovative web-based license information module that has received accolades from collections managers across the country.  Further, she has fostered a network of strong working relationships that unite academic libraries of all sizes from all regions, all the while addressing their diverse needs as well as their common goals.  As her nominator wrote, “Allison exemplifies the collaborative spirit and cutting-edge knowledge that are the foundation of Canadian academic library innovation.”

Ms. Kelley graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree in 2006.

Generously sponsored by Ebsco, the New Academic Librarian of the Year Award recognizes innovative ideas and initiatives brought to life by Canadian academic librarians who have completed their MLIS or equivalent within the last five years.  The New Academic Librarian of the Year Award will be presented at the CACUL Annual General Meeting on Friday, June 4, during the CLA National Conference in Edmonton, Alberta.

The Canadian Association of College and University Libraries (CACUL) is a division of the Canadian Library Association (CLA). CLA is a national association representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians, library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life for Canadians through information and literacy.  For details, visit www.cla.ca.