UW Libraries - Admin/Honors

Admin: Awards and Honors

University Libraries awards library faculty and staff members for significant contributions to the libraries who have excelled in service, professionalism, and academics.

The Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award and the Outstanding Service Award are each awarded on an annual basis. Recipients of each award are nominated by a group of their peers. Both awards come with a cash award and plaque.

Agnes Milstead Distinguished Libraianship

The Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to University Libraries in one or more of the following areas: scholarship of librarianship; implementation of an innovative process, procedure or program; teaching distinction; securing special funding, collections or other major improvements; and continued service in support of University Libraries’ mission.

Nominations: Nominations for 2010 are not being accepted at this time.

Nomination letters may be submitted, in a sealed enveloped, in-person or by mail to:

University of Wyoming Libraries, Administration Office
Subject: Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Nomination
Department 3334
1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
(307) 766-3279

This years winner:

Michael Nelson, reference librarian and subject bibliographer in social sciences and French for University Libraries, is the recipient of the 2009 Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award.

In 1993, Milstead established the annual award to recognize significant contributions to UW Libraries in scholarship, program development, teaching, fundraising, or improving access to library resources. As a librarian at UW from 1966-1981, Milstead developed the university's first courses in library science and helped establish the library science graduate program. Colleagues may nominate anyone of their choice and a non-librarian external committee chooses the recipient.

Nelson, a UW Librarian since 1984, received a B.A. from Kalamazoo College (1973), an M.L.S. from the University of Washington (1978), and an M.A. in history from Montana State University (1980).

In nominating Nelson for the award, Associate Dean of UW Libraries Lori Phillips noted that he has worked tirelessly “to build and shape a collection that is balanced, cohesive and coherent. His dedication to examining new editions, monitoring book reviews, and working to leverage his extensive knowledge of resources, assures that collections meet the needs of users.” Nelson has served on the Collection Development Committee at UW and is good at balancing the interest of both students and faculty members while providing careful stewardship of the collection budget.

A highlight of Nelson’s nomination was his research projects that have resulted in highly acclaimed work published in the Journal of Academic Librarianship in 1987 and Online in 1995. His research concentrated on database pricing and how publisher practices influenced end-user access to information. In 2005 he co-wrote an article that analyzed federated search tools that was used nationally by libraries to make informed decisions about the new technology. Nelson’s research is impeccable and “one can trace the cutting edge of librarianship by paying attention to the issues that he chooses to tackle in his work,” commented Phillips.

Nelson received high accolades from UW faculty members who have come to depend on Nelson as an invaluable resource for their students. UW professor Keith Miller “routinely built in a day at the library with Nelson specifically so he could instruct them in using the library resources most effectively.”

Described as well informed and tenacious, Nelson has a reputation with his colleagues as providing extremely strong reference services to UW students and patrons. “Nelson’s expertise, professionalism, and contributions set him apart,” said Phillips, “and he is deserving of this award.”

Award Recipients:

2009: Michael Nelson
2008: Not awared
2007: Bob Staley
2006: Not awarded
2005: Sally Scott
2004: Not awarded
2003: Martha Hanscom
2002: Diana Shelton
2001: Keith Cottam
2000: William Stewart
1999: Sandra Barstow
1998: Carol White
1997: William Van Arsdale
1996: Not awarded
1995: Emmett Chisum and Paul Cors
1994: Not awarded
1993: Karen Lange

Outstanding Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award bestows special recognition upon a member of University Libraries’ staff who has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the libraries, the university, and/or to the community. Individuals employed by University Libraries are eligible for this award.

Nominations: Nominations for 2010 are not being accepted at this time.

UW faculty and staff members may submit a nomination form outlining how the nominee meets the award criteria. Signed nominations may be submitted, in a sealed envelope, in-person or by mail to:

University of Wyoming Libraries, Administration Office
Subject: OSA Award Nomination
Department 3334 • 1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, Wyoming 82071

Award Recipients:

2009: Nancy Marlatt
2008: Amye Trefethen
2007: Diane Trotter
2006: Lois Berry
2005: Shannon Person
2004: Matthew Sprinkle and Lyle Wiley
2003: Alice Musser
2002: David Kruger
2001: Stephanie Wiegand
2000: Janet Woods
1999: Laurie Mendick
1998: Roxanne Glassburn
1997: Mary Ann Harlow
1996: Lawrence Jansen
1995: Dee Salo
1994: Sandra Barstow
1993: Crystal Bennett
1992: Not awarded
1991: Not awarded
1990: Ellen Whitman
1989: Julie Davis
1988: Janet Carton
1987: Elisabeth Latham
1986: Carol White
1985: Linda Dunlap