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African Americana Library News rss

Hines' Jazz Archive to Berkeley
Dec 9, 2009
Campus musicians receive gift from pianist Earl Hines' estate

Moreland-Springarn Research Center
Nov 11, 2009
Allegations that the research center could close due to an inadequate budget

Black Educator's papers to Emory
Oct 15, 2009
Ulysses S. Byas Was First Post-Desegregation Black School Superintendent

Shakur papers to Woodruff Library
Oct 9, 2009
Tupac's mother donates his writing for research

Octavia Butler collection
Oct 7, 2009
Huntington receives sci-fi writer Octavia Butler's collection

KY African Americans Database

Apr 15, 2009

 

(Source: University of Kentucky News; Media Contact:  Whitney Hale, (859) 257-1754, x229)

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 15, 2009) - The University of Kentucky Libraries' Notable Kentucky African Americans (NKAA) Database has been named the recipient of the 2009 Gale Cengage Learning Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Library Services. The national award, which recognizes the database as an imaginative and unique resource to meet patrons' reference needs, will be presented to administrators of the UK Libraries database, Robert A. Aken II, Web administration librarian, and Reinette F. Jones, diversity and multicultural activities librarian, at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference

The Cengage Learning Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Library Services is administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) and is given to a library or library system for development of an imaginative and unique resource to meet patrons' reference needs. The NKAA Database was selected for the honor not only for its role as an important educational tool, but also its unique patron-driven approach to African-American history both within and beyond the state of Kentucky.

Since the database's inception six years ago, it has grown and adapted to meet research needs and to accommodate the voluminous contributions made by both library patrons and researchers.

The NKAA Database has had a local and even national impact, easily serving a broad audience thanks to its user-friendly search interface. "Once the database went live, we started to hear from people all over Kentucky, the United States, and some international patrons as well," said Jones.

Additionally, the information stored in the NKAA Database has even been used as a resource for a series of brief articles celebrating Black History Month published by the Lexington Herald-Leader.

"On behalf of the award committee, it is my pleasure to honor the NKAA Database with this award," said Anne Behler, award committee chair. "The database represents the power of a community's collective knowledge and the impact such a resource can have on those accessing information both locally and across the country."

The Cengage Award is special to both Jones and Aken, who feel honored to achieve the national recognition. "When your colleagues who do the same kind of work recognize you, it's certainly the best reward you can get," noted Aken.

Aken and Jones will accept the award, a citation and $3,000 cash prize sponsored by Gale Cengage Learning, at the RUSA Awards Ceremony and Reception, to be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, as a part of ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. this summer.