April 28, 2006

The Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association recently named Library of Michigan documents specialist Ann Marie Sanders as the recipient of its 2006 Bernadine Abbott Hoduski Founders Award.  This award recognizes documents librarians who have made significant contributions to the field of state, international, local or federal documents.

“Ann’s commitment to preserving and interpreting documents provides an invaluable service to this state,” said State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson.  “Her keen understanding of how federal documents guidelines translate to superior service for library patrons is a key reason she has enjoyed such success in her field.  The Founders Award is indeed a top honor and we are proud to have Ann on our team at the Library of Michigan.”

Sanders provides consulting and continuing-education services for the entire Michigan library community.  Her work includes interpretation of federal documents guidelines; mentoring; and serving as a liaison between the U.S. Government Printing Office and libraries in the field.

"The Hoduski Founders Award is a very public way to pay tribute to the excellent, often behind-the-scenes work done by librarians who ensure availability and protection of state, international, local or federal documents," said John Phillips, chair of the American Library Associations's GODORT awards committee.  "It is clear that Ann's efforts have impacted the libraries in Michigan as well as the depository librarians who have attended her national presentations.  This award is a well-deserved honor."

Sanders currently serves as the Library of Michigan’s depository librarian.  She has been employed with the state library for more than 10 years.  The Library of Michigan is the only regional depository library in Michigan.  As such, all materials distributed by the United States Government Printing Office are received and permanently retained at the Library of Michigan. 

The Library of Michigan’s collection includes maps and publications in print, microfiche and CD format.  The library also provides public access to electronic government information available via the Internet.  All depository libraries serve all citizens of the state seeking federal government information.

GODORT provides a forum for the discussion of problems and concerns and for the exchange of ideas among librarians working with government documents. GODORT works to initiate and support programs to increase the availability, use and bibliographic control of documents. GODORT strives to increase communication between documents librarians and other librarians and contributes to the extension and improvement of education and training of documents librarians.  Learn more at the American Library Association Web site, www.ala.org.

The Library of Michigan is an agency of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.  The department seeks to strengthen the economy and enrich 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.  Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hal.

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