The West Virginia University Library Faculty Assembly has selected Hilary Oblinger Fredette as the Outstanding Librarian for 2013.

The award, presented every three years, recognizes a faculty librarian who has made exceptional contributions toward the delivery, development, or expansion of library services or special programs for the constituencies of WVU.

“We applaud Hilary Fredette for her efforts and dedication to significantly improve library services for WVU students and faculty,” said Barbara LaGodna, Chair of the assembly’s Awards Committee. “She has a record of sustained excellence over many years.”

Since 2006, Fredette has served as the head of Access Services at the Downtown Campus Library, coordinator of Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery, and coordinator for Distance Education for the Libraries. For the past five years, she has also managed the Multimedia Services at the Downtown Campus Library.

Harold M. Forbes, Associate Curator of the West Virginia and Regional History Center, lauded Fredette for myriad enhancements to services implemented under her watch. He noted the introduction of a document delivery service for faculty, the launch of library services for distance education users, improvements in requesting materials from the depository, and the addition of large monitors and other hardware to the Libraries’ study rooms.

“Hilary has consistently demonstrated an awareness and mastery of new ideas, methods, and technological changes in library and information sciences, as well as exceptional adaptability to changes both within the profession and institution,” Forbes said. “In addition to the accomplishments of recent years, she has a long and stellar record of achievements at WVU.”

Mike Bond and Brian Sinsel, Library Systems employees, have worked closely with Fredette on several projects involving use and delivery of the Libraries’ electronic resources. From streamlining the Electronic Reserves system to adding computers and monitors to Library study rooms, they said that she always kept her focus on simplicity for users.

“Hilary’s insight has provided users of the WVU Libraries with an easier path to finding the information they required. She continues to look for new and creative ways to provide information to those seeking it,” Sinsel said.

Even after implementing new projects, Fredette listens to feedback to determine how and where to make future changes and enhancements.

“Hilary’s desire to create better services for the Library’s patrons and easier work flow for the staff is never ending,” Bond said.

Extending her focus beyond campus, Fredette is a long-time member and past president of the local chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

“Hilary is an advocate for ACRL and for academic libraries. In these roles, she has provided leadership and focus for the organization,” said Martha Yancey, Access Services coordinator for the Evansdale Library.

Fredette began working as a part-time reference librarian at the Charles C. Wise Jr. and Evansdale libraries in 1998. From 1999 to 2006, she worked as Government Documents Librarian. She received her Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s of library science from Indiana University.

The Libraries will hold a reception to honor Fredette on May 17 in the Robinson Reading Room, Wise Library.

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CONTACT: Monte Maxwell, WVU Libraries
304-293-0306, monte.maxwell@mail.wvu.edu

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