Subramanian Receives Excellence Award

Jane Subramanian received the NNYLN’s 17th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service. She is pictured with NNYLN Director John Hammond, Board of Trustees President Inger Curth and SUNY Potsdam Director of Libraries Rebecca Thompson.

"Extraordinary" is how the winner of the 17th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service is described.

SUNY Potsdam Archives and Special Collections Librarian Jane Subramanian received the award from the Northern New York Library Network during its Annual Meeting held on May 24, 2007 in Lake Placid.

A letter of nomination for Mrs. Subramanian said, "Jane has worked in almost every area of the academic library. To all her work she brings dedication to service and commitment to excellence."

"Jane’s work in Archives and Special Collections is an example of how she approaches her work. She has transformed a dreary space and disorganized collection into an attractive research and learning environment with well-organized and professionally managed collections," a nomination stated. "She has promoted the Archives as a place for student research and instruction for multiple disciplines and regularly teaches classes using archival resources at the request of faculty. She has reached out to alumni to support the archives with monetary and in-kind donations related to the history of the College."

A nomination said, "Jane never loses sight that the important work of an academic librarian is with students. Whether it is student assistants, interns, or volunteers, she has developed on-going relationships with the students she has brought into the work of archives management. They keep in touch with her after they leave Potsdam and she with them.

"Jane brings professionalism and excellence to all areas of her work - teaching, scholarship, and service," the letter continued. "She is quite simply an extraordinary librarian - one who is always eager to learn, willing to take on new responsibilities, and willing to commit time and energy to ensure that everything she does is done well."

Nearly 60 people representing 30 library and historical institutions were on hand at the annual meeting to help congratulate Mrs. Subramanian.