University Librarian Karin Wittenborg received the 2004 Elizabeth Zintl Leadership Award, presented annually by the Women's Center, last week at a ceremony in the Special Collections Library.
"Karin has transformed the idea of what the library can mean to the life of the community," Women's Center Director Sharon Davie said. "She strived to break down the barriers between the intellectual community and everything else here at the University."
The award was established in honor of the late writer and journalist, Elizabeth Zintl, who served as chief of staff to President John T. Casteen, III until her death in 1997. It is designed to recognize those who demonstrate tremendous leadership and commitment to the University.
University Provost Gene Block nominated Wittenborg for the award.
"Zintl was the kind of woman who asked how good can the University be and how much of a difference can we make in the world?" Davie said.
Wittenborg, who previously worked at the University of California at Los Angeles, has been the University's head librarian since 1993. University Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Lampkin and College Dean Edward L. Ayers, among others, praised Wittenborg for her service.
"Just as a faculty member, Karin's improvements on the libraries have been nothing short of amazing to me," Vice Provost Milton Adams said. "The level of service has improved dramatically. The electronic resources have especially made things so much easier because you can get materials faster and find out what is out there so easily. Karin has taken the library to the faculty and the students."
As head librarian, Wittenborg oversees the 11 library branches on Grounds. She personally led the fundraising efforts to build the new Special Collections Library. In addition, she was responsible for the construction of Alderman Cafe, as well as the integration of digital technology into the libraries
In a letter nominating Wittenborg for the award, Block stressed her understanding that the honoring of scholarship is at the core of the intellectual community.
"Through her efforts, Karin always asked why can't people feel like there is a sense of community in their work?" Davie said.
The award includes a prize of $1,000 in addition to public recognition. The gift is sponsored by a donation from David A. Harrison, III, a late benefactor of the University.
Wittenborg is the seventh recipient of the award. Past recipients have included Associate Dean of African-American Affairs Sylvia Terry, Lampkin and Sharon Hostler, director of the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center.
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