June 18, 2018, Lehi, UT— The Customers of SirsiDynix Users Group conference, COSUGI, took place in April of this year. The opening session was hosted by SirsiDynix executives where the annual “Power of Libraries Awards” were introduced. The recipients of this award were recognized at COSUGI.
Earlier this year, SirsiDynix sent out an invitation requesting libraries to submit stories about their inspirational programs that are making a difference in their communities. After reviewing each story, SirsiDynix decided on three different libraries as the recipients of this year’s award—Kenosha Public Library, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library, and Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Kenosha Public Library was awarded for their leadership in the Kenosha Parks Alliance. Working with 15 other organizations in their community, Kenosha Public Library helped to organize and staff an ongoing summer parks educational and recreational initiative which effectively mitigated youth violence in the parks. In order to keep the community members coming to their local parks, they implemented programs and activities that are positive and fuel life-long learning.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library created their annual I ♥ UL program. This program encourages university students to speak their minds freely about what they like and don’t like about their library. They write their comments on Post-it notes that are displayed on a community board. The staff collects these notes, sorts them, and looks at the most popular themes coming from students. The staff digitizes their data and then present their findings to the University Board. This program has initiated small changes such as free coffee and hot chocolate for students during finals week, and big changes such as helping to secure a $1.75 million renovation budget.
Enoch Pratt Public library has branches throughout the city of Baltimore. In some areas of the city, unemployment reaches up to 50%. The library wanted to help, so they created a mobile employment outreach program—the Mobile Job Center. The Mobile Job Center is a repurposed RV that has been redesigned and fitted with computers, printers and other important resources. The Mobile Job Center drives through the city every day and assists those who need help writing a resume or learning job interview skills. Operating since May 2017, it has already helped thousands of people in Baltimore. Because of the Mobile Job Center, the library extends into the community and helps people get jobs every day.
Each of these libraries have demonstrated their commitment to their communities through these excellent programs. SirsiDynix recognized them as the winners of the 2018 “Power of Libraries” award.
“At SirsiDynix, we believe in the power of libraries,” said SirsiDynix CEO Bill Davison. “We believe they transform and shape the communities around them. We were and are proud to award these great libraries for their tremendous work and outstanding examples. We are greatly honored to work side-by-side with these libraries.”
About SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix connects people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries around the world. Through library management technology and search and discovery tools, libraries using SirsiDynix technology bring relevant resources and the power of knowledge to their users and communities. SirsiDynix technology is architected to be open, scalable, and robust, offering a complete out-of-the-box solution and unparalleled flexibility through APIs and web services. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting, and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries create tomorrow’s libraries, today. To find out more, visit www.sirsidynix.com.
