Mary Alice O’Mara Is Honored

Mary Alice O’Mara of Oswego Hospital was the recipient of the 13th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service. She is shown with NNYLN Director John Hammond and Board President Natalia Stahl.

Dedication is the word that best describes this year’s winner of the 13th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service.

Mary Alice O’Mara of Oswego Hospital received the award during the Northern New York Library Network’s Annual Meeting held May 22, 2003 in Alexandria Bay.

"Mary Alice has brought the Oswego Hospital Professional Library from a small mobile cart unit to a truly professional, functioning library," her letter of nomination read. "Under her leadership, the library is now housed in a welcoming, user-friendly facility that is accessible to staff 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

"Mary Alice encourages hospital staff to make good use of the library through staff meetings and publications of new volumes that are available," the letter continued. "She willingly assists physicians and other patrons in obtaining requested information in a timely manner. Her first-hand knowledge of books and resources enables her to assist patrons finding quickly needed materials. In spite of other duties as Director of Staff Development, she is attentive to the details of the Professional Library and personally follows through on requests made within the hospital and the Oswego community.

"Mary Alice has trained five volunteers who help keep the professional library functioning," her colleagues stated. "High School ‘New Visions’ students are encouraged to use the library and Mary Alice is helpful in fulfilling their requests.

"The goals of the Northern New York Library Network are met at the Oswego Professional Library through the effort, energy and leadership of Mary Alice O’Mara," the letter stated.

Congratulations Mary Alice!