Prellwitz named ALA Office for Diversity acting director

Contact: Mary Ghikas
Senior Associate Executive Director, ALA
(312) 280-2518
mghikas@ala.org

For Immediate Release,
April 22, 2008

Prellwitz named ALA Office for Diversity acting director<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

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CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity has appointed Gwendolyn Prellwitz its acting director. Prior to her appointment, she was the office’s interim director.

In addition, Prellwitz was the office’s communications officer (2001-2002) and program officer (2003-2007). She has been involved in implementing 3 IMLS grants in support of Spectrum, including the Spectrum Ph.D. grant program administered by the University of Pittsburgh. Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA’s national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians within the profession, while serving as a model for ways to bring attention to larger diversity issues in the future.

Prellwitz has also developed and supported a strong Spectrum "alumni" program and worked with a variety of member groups and projects.

Prior to coming to ALA, she worked as a marketing specialist at micronpc.com, a document specialist at ITERIS and a personnel coordinator and recruiter at Northwest Staffing. She graduated magna cum laude from Knox College, with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, specializing in composition. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

“Gwendolyn Prellwitz brings strong program knowledge and continuity, outstanding communication skills, and experience collaborating with member groups and with external programs to her new role. Please join me in welcoming her,” said Mary Ghikas, ALA senior associate executive director.