CSCU Library Consortium Announces Inaugural Recipient of Dr. Clara Ogbaa Award
A new annual award program designed to recognize people who have been or are currently working on projects that have significantly advanced library services to Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) students, faculty, and staff.
The CSCU Library Consortium announced today the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Clara Ogbaa Award, a new annual award program designed to recognize people who have been or are currently working on projects that have significantly advanced library services to Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) students, faculty, and staff.
The award program was developed by the CSCU Library Consortium and is named in honor of Dr. Clara Ogbaa. During her career from 1982 to 2022, Dr. Ogbaa worked in both academic and public libraries in Connecticut, Texas, and internationally. Within the CSCU System, Dr. Ogbaa served in librarian and library director roles at both Southern Connecticut State University and CT State Community College Gateway. In recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership, Dr. Ogbaa was awarded emeritus status at both institutions. She is currently retired and lives in Texas.
An open call for nominees was distributed in October 2023. An award committee consisting of and led by personnel from within the CSCU libraries reviewed nominations and, after a careful process of evaluating many outstanding nominees, ultimately selected the following project: Transforming Library Spaces into an Inviting Learning Oasis.
This project occurred at CT State Community College Norwalk’s Everett I.L. Baker Library and was carried out by:
- Alison Wang, Director of Library Services at CT State Norwalk
- Rebecca Brunson, Reference/Instruction Librarian at CT State Norwalk
- Kimberly Bryant-Smith, Library Associate at CT State Norwalk
- Taja Sylvester, Director of Library Services at CT State Housatonic (formerly Access/Instruction Librarian at CT State Norwalk)
"I am thrilled and deeply humbled by this recognition for the hard work and dedication that Alison Wang, Taja Sylvester, Kimberly Bryant-Smith, and Rebecca Brunson put into the project at CT State Community College Norwalk. Their innovative approach and commitment to improving library services for students, faculty, and staff within the CSCU system is commendable," Dr. Ogbaa said.
Drawing on $45,000 secured through a grant from the Norwalk Foundation, the project commencing on July 1, 2022, and concluding on June 30, 2023. Quoting from the project’s nomination:
Through the project, the library has seamlessly integrated technology to optimize the circulation and access of physical materials, underscoring [the library’s] commitment to staying at the forefront of innovative library services. Notably, this endeavor has transformed the library spaces into a dynamic and welcoming learning oasis. Among the enhancements made during the project are the establishment of group study rooms, the creation of a vibrant Reading Commons, the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Citation/Tutoring Center, and the development of an Archive Room. Additionally, the library has proudly opened second-floor access, fostering a direct link with classrooms, and greatly enhancing the accessibility of study carrels. This transformative project stands as a testament to [the library’s] dedication to providing a cutting-edge and enriched learning environment for the entire campus community. The Norwalk Campus Library is now better equipped than ever to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty, ensuring a seamless and accomplished academic experience for all.
The Dr. Clara Ogbaa Award Committee includes Dana Hanford, Chair (Head, Information Systems and Resources at Central Connecticut State University); Patrick Carr (CSCU Program Manager for Library Consortium Operations); Deneuve Hernandez (Library Associate at CT State Quinebaug Valley); Lauren Johnson (Systems Librarian at CT State Naugatuck Valley); and Jackie Toce (Head of Technical Services at Southern Connecticut State University).