Dr. Don Wicks, Interim Director - Remarks
Kent State University School of Library and Information Science
At this time, I am delighted to present the award for Friend of the Year, to Beverly Cain, State Librarian of Ohio.
As some of you know, SLIS has had a presence in the Columbus area since 1975, moving into the historic Jeffrey Mining Manufacturing complex with the State Library of Ohio in 2008. Beverly became State Librarian in 2010 and since then has fostered a spirit of true collaboration and cooperation. We are delighted to have such a strong partner in central Ohio.
Beyond sharing space, SLIS and the State Library share resources and opportunities. The librarians and other experts there serve as guest lecturers in our classes, as well as practicum supervisors for our students when appropriate. Working out of the State Library, our students enjoy strong ties to area libraries and information agencies, which supports their education and even sometimes their job placement, while providing a service to these organizations (for example, as practicum students). The Library has hired several SLIS graduates, as well, in positions such as library consultant, research librarian and Digital/Tangible Media Cataloger.
SLIS students in Columbus go on to become State Library advocates and users. The same is true of prospective students and their families, and other professionals who visit the SLIS offices on business. Many are discovering the State Library for the first time, and become active users.
In addition, SLIS faculty and Library employees have collaborated on grant reviews and planning committees for continuing education and such statewide initiatives as Working Together to Support Ohio’s Libraries, Take Five and Choose to Read.
All of this is possible because of the collegial environment Beverly has nurtured. Our relationship with the State Library seems to be a “natural” fit, if you will: it provides wonderful opportunities for learning as well as a logical collaboration that reflects back to the earliest days of library education in this country. We look forward to many more years together at the State Library of Ohio. Thank you, Beverly, and congratulations.
