MnDOT Library learned this week that we have won an ALA 2012 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award!!

From the ALA website:

“One of the most prestigious awards given by the American Library Association (ALA) is the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award, honoring outstanding library public relations, which is provided by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA, a division of the American Library Association), in conjunction with the H.W. Wilson Foundation and EBSCO Publishing.” The award is open to all types and sizes of libraries.

And from the official announcement:

“The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) created the “moving knowledge” campaign to convey updated space and resources and improve outreach efforts. The space redesign transformed the library from a “bland government” look to a warm and inviting environment. The eye-catching marketing campaign succeeded in bringing in new MnDOT users from throughout the state. The Grand Reopening Event drew 65 percent more attendees than the last Open House, and daily visits to the library increased 1000 percent.”

A record 108 libraries applied for the award with eight winning libraries selected. The listing of winners from the past 10 years indicates that this award has been predominantly, if not exclusively, presented to public and academic libraries, so we are thrilled to be a “special library” recipient and even more pleased to be a transportation library winner.

Without the encouragement and backing of MnDOT Management including Commissioner Sorel, Bernie Arseneau, Nick Thompson, Jean Wallace, and Linda Taylor, this project simply would not have happened. Their belief that the campaign could help improve library services to better serve all MnDOT employees proved to be true, and we are forever grateful for their support!

The work leading up to applying for and winning an award of this magnitude is only possible with a dedicated and talented staff who are committed to excellence and working as a team. This group of extraordinary individuals includes Jim Byerly – Electronic Resources Librarian; Qin Tang – Technical Services Librarian; Karen Neinstadt – Reference and Outreach Librarian; Pam Gonzalez – Library Technician; Christie Schultz – Library Intern; and former Project Librarian – Anne Shelley.

Of equal importance and significance are our consultants: Law Library Consultants – Kathleen Bedor, President; Modern Design Group – Chris Foote, President; and Diane Foote Design Associates – Diane Foote, President.

Last, but not least, we would like to acknowledge any others who helped with this project along the way.

Jim created our application (a website), and Karen and I wrote the content with the rest of the staff proofreading and offering constructive suggestions for improvement. Our application may be viewed at: http://www.mtkn.org/JCDApp/

The official announcement is available at: http://www.llama.ala.org/llamaleads/?p=1222

This award follows the 2011 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Minnesota Chapter “Innovation in Action Award”
http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/slamn/2011/11/2011mnslainnovationinactionaward.html

 presented to us last fall for the same project, and last year’s Award of Merit from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators http://magconline.org/PDF/2011awardwinners.pdf

Thanks for allowing me to share – it’s been a great week!

Sheila Hatchell, MLIS
Chair – Special Libraries Association Transportation Division
Director, MnDOT Library
Minnesota Department of Transportation