Top Shelf Librarians Recognised
A cold and windy night in Canberra did nothing to quell the enthusiasm of a group of local and regional librarians, and senior Australian Bureau of Statistics staff, who gathered on 24 May to launch the inaugural Library Extension Program (LEP) Excellence Award. Dennis Trewin, the Australian Statistician, launched the Award, which recognises and rewards LEP libraries for excellence in raising their communities’ awareness, understanding and use of ABS information.
The LEP is a highly successful partnership between the ABS and a large network of over 500 member libraries across Australia.
“The ABS has had a long tradition of ensuring that all Australians have ready access to statistics,” explained Associate Professor Peter Clayton of the University of Canberra, a guest at the launch. “Initiatives like this, and the LEP itself, helps ensure that people who visit libraries receive the guidance they need to access ABS information.”
As the LEP is recognised as a successful link between the ABS and libraries, and because libraries are widely recognised as a popular source of information for Australians, the ABS has decided to offer a trophy and $1500 worth of ABS products and services to the winner of the LEP Excellence Award.
“The enthusiastic support at the launch shows that the Award is appreciated by the library sector,” said Jennefer Nicholson, Executive Director, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and one of the Award’s judges. “It is very important for excellence in practice to be recognised ... and I look forward to a strong and competitive field of nominations.”
After the speeches were made and photographs taken, guests could relax and network with other library staff working with ABS material. “It was very pleasant being able to catch up with colleagues from such a good cross-section of libraries in the region and enjoy the wonderful hospitality,” said Jan Gordon, of the Australian Defence Force Academy. “We are now busy formulating our entry for the Award!”
LEP Excellence Award
The LEP Excellence Award recognises and rewards libraries for excellence in raising their communities’ awareness, understanding and use of ABS information. For more information visit the LEP Award page on the ABS web site.
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