From the University of Wyoming Library News blog
Lori Phillips
UW Libraries is pleased to announce that Lori Phillips, Associate Dean, is the recipient of this year’s Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award.
The late Agnes Milstead, a professor of education and library science at UW, established the award in 1993 to recognize significant contributions to the University Libraries in scholarship, program development, teaching, fundraising, and professional achievements.
For over 25 years, Phillips has worked in a variety of roles at UW Libraries, serving as a librarian, teacher, mentor, colleague, and administrator. Her varying roles also included time as Interim Dean of Libraries. Phillips was one of the developers of the first TIP Tutorial taken by thousands of students as part of UW’s information literacy requirement; she has overseen strategic planning and reorganization of services and staff to accommodate initiatives and reductions in workforce; and she is a strong supporter of professional development for faculty and staff.
David Kruger, UW Librarian, says, “What I appreciate about Lori from my own perspective at UW Libraries is her selfless service on behalf of this organization.” Maggie Farrell, former Dean of UW Libraries, also holds Lori in high regard: “Throughout her Wyoming career, Lori has sought to improve services to advance university priorities and initiatives. Within the Libraries, Lori oversaw the expansion of the digital program including the creation of the scholarly communication program. These cutting-edge developments provided visibility to unique UW research and collections advancing the research of faculty.”
Phillips has also provided leadership for statewide initiatives, including training and promotion of health science information in the Regional Medical Library. She also took on the time-consuming role of leading the Legislative Committee for the Wyoming Library Association. On the national level, Lori has advanced librarianship as a leader in library ethics by working with Association of College Research Libraries (ACRL) and American Library Association (ALA) committees to provide training and information on library values.
Farrell further states in her nomination: “Such is Lori’s career that she works hard, usually behind the scenes, without regard for personal recognition. Lori models the best of Agnes Milstead, a passion for librarianship, a high regard for her colleagues, an unrelenting focus, and a strong work ethic.”
Congratulations to Lori on her many achievements and on receiving this award.