SCLA Professional Achievement Award recipient named

Contact: Eileen Hardy


312-280-
4398

ehardy@ala.org

For Immediate Release


April 28, 2003

ASCLA Professional Achievement Award recipient named

Barrat Wilkins, state librarian emeritus of the Florida State Library, is the 2003 recipient of the ASCLA Professional Achievement Award presented by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

The ASCLA Professional Achievement Award is a citation presented to one or more ASCLA members for professional achievement within the areas of consulting, networking, statewide service, and programs.

“Florida’s longest serving state librarian has grown library service in Florida from just 44 of 67 counties offering free library service to all; today all do,” stated Jim Kirks, Jr., ASCLA award committee chair.
“The state library agency’s budget grew from $2.7 million when he took the helm in 1977 to $55.5 million in 2002. He led the development of the Florida Library Network to promote cooperative library services.
Barrat’s desire to serve users of libraries extended far beyond Florida through his leadership in ASCLA and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and other professional associations.
Through determination and hard work, Barrat Wilkins has made state library service a reality in Florida and assisted in the development of library service throughout our nation.”

The award will be presented June 22, 2003, from 8:30 to 11a.m., at the ASCLA President’s Program and Award Ceremony during the ALA Annual Conference in Toronto.