John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award winner announced

Contact: Michael Dowling
312-280-3200
mdowling@ala.org

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2002

John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award winner announced

Nancy R. John is this year's recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) International Relations Committee's John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award.

OCLC/Forest Press donated the $1,000 award, which is given to an individual for a significant contribution to international librarianship.

John received the award for her record of international accomplishments; extensive publications; commitment to teaching; and significant contributions to ALA and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). She is the first North American editor of the distinguished library and information science journal, Libri, published by K.G. Saur (Munich). She was twice named one of the nation's "Internet digerati" by the weekly magazine Computerworld. John has lectured widely around the world, including, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

"Nancy's knowledge of the international arena, her diplomacy, her ability as a planner/strategist, and her overall leadership are evident in her accomplishments in the United States and abroad," said Chair Carol J. Connor.

John is the acting university librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During her 27 years as a member of ALA, she has served as chair of ALA's International Relations Committee and International Relations Round Table, and has been a member of many ALA committees. She also has served as a member of the IFLA-Executive Board from 1997 to 1999; was elected as the first vice president from 1999-2001; and has chaired and served on numerous committees.

John will be recognized at the beginning of the International Librarians Reception at ALA's Annual Conference on Monday, June 17, 2002.