The Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) and Brodart Canada are pleased to announce Beth Hovius, Director, Public Service and Collection Development, Hamilton Public Library as the 2010 recipient of the CAPL/Brodart Outstanding Public Library Service Award. Sponsored by Brodart Canada, the award is given annually in the field of Canadian public librarianship, to a recipient for outstanding service in the field.
Beth Hovius’s contributions to librarianship have had a significant and lasting impact on a provincial, national and international level. She has been a tireless and exceptional leader and contributors to libraries.
At the provincial level, and in her role at the Hamilton Public Library, Beth provided leadership in fostering the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA) in partnership with community service providers. This initiative resulted in one of the first integrated lifelong learning strategies in the country. Beth also served on the Board for many years after helping to create the organization. It continues to evolve and thrive.
Beth was also one of the creators of the Disability Information Service Helpline (DISH), winner of the (Ontario) Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Innovation. This unique service showcases not only the library’s information strengths, but also its values: equity as a foundational value of librarianship.
Recently, Beth’s has played a leadership role in the renovation plan of branch libraries undertaken by the Hamilton Public Library. Beth’s strong belief that libraries need to pay attention to the patron experience has resulted in renovated branch libraries that are welcoming to any age group in the community and that have become the focal point of the community.
At the national library level Beth has served as Vice-President and later President of CAPL. Under her leadership, the CAPL bursary program was revised and the development of the Library Advocacy Now! Workbook was completed. She was also selected by CLA to represent Canadian interests on the joint ALA and CLA program committee in 2003. According to Mary W. Ghikas, Senior Associate Executive Director, American Library Association, “Her expansive knowledge of Canadian libraries – including many areas is which Canadian library management and practice differ from that in the U.S. – as well as her long experience with CLA made her an outstanding spokesperson.”
At the international level Beth represented the Canadian library community on the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Committee on Library Service to the Blind. Her papers on public libraries and partnership development to international conferences in this role were among her lasting contributions, showcasing Canadian experience and values and advancing world collaboration towards equitable information service consistent with classic library values.
Media Contact: André Gagnon,
CAPL President
(306) 777-6071
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