2012 UBC Library Staff Award Program Winners

Ernest Dick, Anne Miele and Paul Lesack are this year’s recipients of UBC Library staff recognition awards. The awards program was developed to acknowledge the many ways in which staff contribute to UBC Library through creativity, innovation, excellence, and customer service. 

Anne Miele, Science & Engineering, IKBLC. Recipient of the Employee Excellence Award

A conscientious and detail-oriented individual, Anne Miele has been with the Library since 1979, and is skilled in both the public services and technical services aspects of her job, going the extra mile for patrons and her team members. Her nominator expressed appreciation for the positive energy and sense of humour that she brings to the workplace, along with her dedication to her colleagues and the Library. Anne’s knowledge, welcoming personality, and experience have helped build relationships throughout the Library system and beyond.

“Thank you all so much for the Staff Award! It came as a total surprise, and I very much appreciate it. I work with a great group of folks who are all very supportive of me and each other. These Awards show commitment to the Library and University, and that the worth of our work is valued by all.” 

Paul Lesack, Humanities & Social Sciences, Koerner Library. Recipient of the Innovation Award

Paul Lesack has been with the Library for 17 years and demonstrated initiative and creativity when he used emerging technologies to develop a new service that has benefited UBC students and the broader community. Working with the Vancouver Aquarium, he scanned old paper maps into interactive versions with geographic data. The project began as something to help geography students, but has since been used to assist scientists and city planners. By turning this resource into a digitally accessible interactive tool, Paul also addressed issues of sustainability and collections preservation.

“Thank you very much for honouring me with such an award. While I’m technically receiving an individual award, like most Library projects it wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of others. [In addition to the help of Library staff,] the Vancouver Aquarium graciously consented to let me use their original cartography and monographs.”

Ernest (Ernie) Dick, Circulation, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC). Recipient of the Unsung Hero Award

Ernie Dick has been described as a problem-solver and a trusted advisor on book moves, and is noted for his efficiency and good nature. He maintains the in-and-out flow of materials for the [Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in the IKBLC]; has a phenomenal memory for procedures, work processes, and people; and has worked for the Library for 24 years. He was the only recipient to be put forward by two different nominators, and has been described as an invaluable team member and someone who is “one of the pillars of the Library.”