Diana Reese, Colorado State Library, Receives ASCLA Exceptional Service Award

For Immediate Release Contact: Eileen Hardy
March 13, 2007 Marketing Specialist
312-280-4398
ehardy@ala.org

Diana Reese receives ASCLA Exceptional Service Award

CHICAGO — Diana Reese, institutional library services coordinator, Colorado State Library, Salida (Colo.), is the 2007 recipient of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Exceptional Service Award.
The ASCLA Exceptional Service Award is a citation to recognize exceptional service to patients and inmates; the homebound; medical, nursing and other professional staff in hospitals; and inmates, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity and significant research. The award is presented by ASCLA, a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
“As a state library consultant to libraries serving incarcerated persons, Diana Reese has helped develop some of the best institutional library facilities in the country,” said Ruth O’Donnell, ASCLA awards committee chair. “Working through periods of financial cutbacks as well as better times, she has kept a positive attitude and worked very hard to assure continuing access to libraries for offenders because she believes in the importance of library services in educating and encouraging them to improve their lives.”
“Diana’s 2005 study of the impact of correctional libraries on academic pursuits confirms her belief and provides strong support for this service around the nation.”
The award will be presented during the ASCLA President’s Program, “Is Your Information Technology Accessible? Section 508 and Libraries,” on June 25, 2007, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., during the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

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