The University of Washington Libraries has received the 2004 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, which recognizes the top university research library in the country. The award is presented by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and Blackwell's Book Services-the venerable international book seller based in London.
The award recognizes the entire staff of a university library for programs that deliver exemplary services and resources to further the educational mission of the institution. The University of Washington Libraries was cited for excellence in all three areas stipulated in the criteria:
The Libraries was selected for its proven success at developing technological initiatives, and leading the academic community in the implementation of new library programs and services. It was lauded for developing exemplary programs, including innovative digital collections and services, information literacy for the University campus, an exemplary assessment centered culture, model strategic planning efforts, and creative staff development and training.
"The University of Washington Libraries is a dynamic, impressive and collaborative organization," said Mary Reichel, chair of the 2004 Excellence in Academic Libraries Selection Committee. "It truly is leading the way for all academic libraries as the library of the 21st century."
The Libraries UWired program received special mention. In UWired, the Libraries works collaboratively with other campus offices to promote and support effective uses of technology by students and faculty.
"This award goes to the superb librarians, staff and student assistants who dedicate themselves to serving the mission of the University of Washington and connecting people with knowledge for life," said Betsy Wilson, director of University Libraries. "They have earned this award by what they do day-in and day-out. It's a very proud day for the UW Libraries and a red-letter day for the University."
The president of ACRL and a Blackwell representative will travel to Seattle to present the award and a check for $3,000 in a university-wide ceremony to University President Lee Huntsman on May 17. Additional details of the event will be announced in the coming months.
With a collection of more than six million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several million items in other formats, The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) composite index ranks the University of Washington Libraries 12th among 120 academic research libraries in North America. The UW Libraries enriches the quality of life and advances intellectual discovery by connecting people with knowledge. The Libraries is a network of 25 facilities serving three campuses. The major facilities on the Seattle campus include the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries, Odegaard Undergraduate Library and the Health Sciences Library. In addition, there are 14 subject-oriented branch libraries located near academic departments throughout the Seattle campus and branches in downtown Seattle and on San Juan Island. The UW Bothell and UW Tacoma campus libraries support their respective campuses. The UW Bothell Library also supports the co-located Cascadia Community College. Over four million people visit the Libraries each year, with an additional six million using the Libraries via its website (http://www.lib.washington.edu).
For more information, contact Elizabeth Risser, University Libraries (erisser@u.washington.edu or 206.543.9389)
