Two Penn State librarians honored by Pennsylvania Library Association

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. - Two Penn State University Libraries faculty librarians were recently given statewide awards from the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) that honor its members and volunteers "who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth." Sara Kern, engineering librarian at the University Park campus, was named New Professional Librarian of the Year, and Emily Reed, reference and instruction librarian at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library at Penn State Harrisburg, received a certificate of merit.

Kern, who began her librarian career at Juniata College before joining Penn State in May 2023, was recognized for her work as a department liaison and for her focus on inclusivity when providing information literacy instruction and collaborating on outreach initiatives. Since her start date, she has worked to develop strong working relationships with faculty and staff and has become an integral support for Penn State's College of Engineering.

The association's award announcement states, "Her well-structured information literacy plans have significantly enhanced the curriculum and benefited countless students and faculty members. She also provides innovative opportunities for students to engage with the library that contributes to the growth of the whole student as a lifelong citizen of this world."

Kern also is an accomplished scholarly writer and presenter. Her involvement with PaLA includes serving as a member-at-large for its College and Research Division board and as the nominations and elections representative for its Juniata-Conemaugh Chapter.

"I am so happy that Sara has been honored with this award. Since the time of her nomination she has accomplished even more, including the move of our Engineering Library across campus to its new location and finishing up co-editing a book," said John Meier, University Libraries head of STEM for engagement and outreach. "I can't wait to see her future successes with Penn State and PaLA."

Reed was awarded a 2024 PaLA Certificate of Merit, one of three given this year in the commonwealth, for her many valuable contributions to the organization and to the library profession. She was recognized by colleagues and nominators for her strong work ethic, enthusiasm and professional contributions.

Reed's award also highlighted her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, evidenced by her work on various committees and projects and seen in her support and efforts for marginalized communities. She also was honored earlier this year by Penn State Global with an Early Faculty Career Award for helping to advance Penn State's global engagement goals.

As noted in her award announcement, Reed's contributions to PaLA include serving as a member of its board of directors, technical coordinator on its College and Research Division board, member and past chair of the Mentorship Subcommittee, and co-creator of its Conference Buddy Program, which supports the experiences of first-time PaLA conference attendees. Reed also played a key role in Hanes Library's nomination for PaLA's Library of the Year Award in 2023, the first academic library to receive the honor.

"Emily's receipt of this award reveals her unwavering commitment to the profession of librarianship and to her support for libraries in the state of Pennsylvania," said Glenn McGuigan, Madlyn L. Hanes head librarian.

Christi Buker, PaLA executive director acknowledged its members' unwavering efforts as key to the organization's accomplishments. "These awards are just our small way of shining a light on what all librarians and library workers do to continue promoting the value libraries bring to communities they serve. We are thankful for their support and engagement and are honored to be able to recognize their efforts," she said.

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees and Friends of the Library groups. PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.