The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

The Channels

Luria Library receives national award

The library was named the 2011 national winner of the Excellence in Academic Libraries Award in the community college category from the Association of College and Research Libraries. The staff is also acknowledged for its accessibility and connection with students so that they feel welcome.

“If you come here regularly, and this is one of the great things about this library, the staff at the checkout counter know a lot of students by name,” said Library Director Kenley Neufeld. “They are able to add that personal level of service.”

In the past six years the Luria Library has undergone a positive transformation as it brings in more of the community and students. Neufeld and his staff have made an effort to make the library’s atmosphere as beneficial to learning as possible. Their efforts include working closely with the students, the English as a Second Language department, and the Transitions program.

“Receiving an Excellence in Academic Libraries Award is a national tribute to a library and its staff for the outstanding services, programs and leadership they provide to their students, administrators, faculty and community,” said ACRL Executive Director Mary Ellen K. Davis on their website.

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Events and contests such as “The Day of the Dead” and “Edible Books” are encouraged. The idea is to have an open and safe space for students to utilize in a fun and productive way. There is also an outlet for clubs that want to use the library for meetings.

A celebration of their achievement will take place at 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., April 14, in front of the Luria Library.

 

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