Erma Hover Honored With Library Excellence Award
EXCELLENCE AWARD - Erma M. Hover of the North Country Library System was the winner of the 10th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service. The award was presented to her by Council Executive Director John Hammond. People who worked with the recipient of the 10th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service said they felt it was a great honor to work with her, and they also indicated they had grown professionally and personally through her influence. The award was presented to Erma M. Hover who recently retired as Assistant Director / Head of Personnel from the North Country Library System in Watertown. She currently serves the NCLS as a part-time Executive Consultant. Mrs. Hover received her award during the 35th North Country Reference and Research Resources Council Annual Meeting recently held in Lake Placid. Among the criteria which are reviewed for those nominated are the nominee's contributions to the following: the encouragement of reading and creation of inducements to greater use of library materials; the promotion of interlibrary cooperation and sharing; and the strengthening of the library's role and position in the community. "She pioneered the construction of the interlibrary loan network between member libraries of the North Country Library System and other agencies," the letter of nomination stated. "Erma also forged the basis of the interlibrary loan guidelines and standards that are still in use today. "In her position of Assistant Director / Head of Personnel, she was in charge of the day-to-day development of the arduous process of moving from a completely manual to completely automated system. During this time, she served as a constant source of encouragement and creativity through many ups and downs," the letter continued. Mrs. Hover was reported as being among the first to establish children's services for member libraries at the system level, and she created funding drives for public libraries. She was also instrumental in developing a multi-faceted incentive program for member public libraries. "As a librarian and leader, Erma exhibits a quiet professionalism, and her insight, creativity, and dedication to excellence have touched and benefited many in our region in many ways," the letter of nomination read. "Her clear direction and steady hand inspired confidence in staff and the institution." During the Annual Meeting, there were various discussion groups. Paul Schaffer spoke on "Internet Use Policies," Joe Swinyer spoke on "Security In Archives and Special Collections," and Paul Doty spoke on "Electronic vs. Traditional Library Resources." A special presentation was given following a buffet luncheon by Donald Williams, who spoke on the history of the Adirondacks. Newly elected board members are Beatrice Cole, Natalia Stahl, Janet Decker and Tom Lawrence. The Council is grateful to everyone who ran for these positions. |