University Library News

Congratulations to the recipient of the Carolyn L. Robison Library Award, Malia Cargile, and Merl E. Reed Fellows in Southern Labor History, Lisa Gayle Hazirjian and Benjamin Houston.

Spring 2008 Carolyn L. Robison Library Award

Malia Cargile was recently named the spring 2008 recipient of the Carolyn L. Robison Library Award. Malia’s 14 years of service at Georgia State have represented the educational values and high professional standards of Dr. Robison during her years of service at the University Library. Malia is a Library Assistant II for Library Media and Reserves and is currently pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science at Valdosta State University. Her supervisor, Denise Dimsdale, remarks that “she diligently completes her job duties and is interested in expanding her knowledge of libraries in order to better serve our patrons.” Malia aspires to become a reference librarian in the future.

The Robison Library Award was established in honor of Dr. Carolyn L. Robison upon her retirement after a 31 year career at Georgia State University Library. The fund also strives to promote Dr. Robison’s long term interest in encouraging the development of library staff members. This award provides financial assistance to a staff member of the University Library or the College of Law Library who is pursuing further education for a career in libraries. All of us at the Library are most grateful of the steadfast generosity of Dr. Robison. 

2008 Merl E. Reed Fellowship in Southern Labor History

Two recipients were recently selected to receive the Merl E. Reed  Fellowship in Southern Labor History award: Lisa Gayle Hazirjian for her work on “The Legend of Operation Dixie and the Long Labor Movement in Eastern North Carolina” and Benjamin Houston for his work on “The Nashville Way: A Southern City and Racial Change, 1945-1975.” Each of these projects will require substantial research using the collections in the Southern Labor Archives. This year’s winners were chosen by a review committee composed of Ian Fletcher (History Department, Georgia State University), Robert Woodrum (History Department, Clark Atlanta University), Traci Drummond (Archivist, Southern Labor Archives, Georgia State University Library), and Stephen Zietz (Head, Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library).

The Merl E. Reed Fellowship in Southern Labor History was established in 2000 to honor Dr. Merl Reed, professor, scholar and founder of the archives, for his many contributions to education and labor history. A fellowship of $250-$500 is awarded annually to individuals whose research in the Southern Labor Archives will lead to a book, article, dissertation, or other substantive product. In return, recipients will make a presentation about their research to the Georgia State University community within one academic year after receiving the award. Faculty members, graduate students, upper-level undergraduates, and recognized independent scholars and artists are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for the 2009 Merl E. Reed Fellowship in Southern Labor History, applicants should submit on or before November 30, 2008.