Nov. 14, 2008

MAME, the Michigan Association for Media in Education, honored three Library of Michigan staff members with awards at its annual conference - "Just the Facts: Using Data" - last week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn.

State Librarian Nancy Robertson received the President's Award for Outstanding Contributions to School Library Media, in recognition of exemplary leadership in creating the Michigan School Library Initiative to promote school library media programs throughout Michigan.

"Nancy spearheaded a project to showcase how certified media specialists and school library media programs contribute positively to the 21st-century learner," said Judy Hauser, MAME president. "She formed a group of like-minded people with library, education and technology backgrounds and they brainstormed about the best product to they could create and then market to school administrators. Now, the library community has a convincing, quality video that is being marketed not only to school administrators but also to parents, community leaders, legislators, school boards and educational associations."

Sheryl Mase, director of statewide services at the Library of Michigan, received MAME's award for Government Official of the Year, in recognition of exemplary leadership and dedication in promoting the importance of the library media profession.

According to Roger Ashley, MAME executive director, "Sheryl touches activities in every library in Michigan with the many organizations she oversees. As a leading member of the study to create a new media message about school library personnel, Sheryl has not only done her job well but she has been an enthusiastic advocate for school media centers everywhere."

Karren Reish, LSTA, Michigan Center for the Book and QSAC coordinator at the Library of Michigan, received MAME's Margaret Grazier Award for Contribution to the Profession, in recognition of exemplary and sustained contributions to library media education and to regional, state and local media organizations. MAME's Ashley specifically recognized Reish's "invigorated, insightful and constant devotion" to the many projects that she manages.

"The President's Award may have my name on it, but the research, planning and hard work that went into creating 'The 21st Century Media Center' video was definitely an effort carried out by dozens of creative people who are very passionate about excellent library service and about conveying the importance of quality library service in our schools," said State Librarian Robertson. "To be honored with this award, alongside two of my very talented colleagues at the Library of Michigan, is wonderful, but the real thrill is knowing that our video is out there, telling the compelling story of how good libraries and librarians make even better students."

"The 21st Century Media Center" video can be viewed at www.mimame.org.

The Library of Michigan - Michigan's official state library agency for more than 175 years - is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to strengthening the economy and enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center. To learn more about the Library of Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan.

MAME is a professional organization that has a membership of over 900 library media specialists, school librarians and educators representing approximately 400 school districts, universities and educational programs across Michigan. MAME is an affiliate of the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the American Library Association, and an affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education. To learn more, visit www.mimame.org.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).