Doug Brigham, Richard Fedje, Tomoko Kitayama and Kerry Steeves are the 2014 recipients of the UBC Library Staff Awards. This recognition program was designed to acknowledge the many ways in which staff contribute to their workplace through creativity, innovation, excellence and customer service.
Kerry Steeves (Stacks Maintenance Supervisor) and Richard Fedje (Assistant Stacks Maintenance Supervisor) were awarded the Unsung Hero Award, as a team that played a key role in supporting Library branches through inventory projects and extensive collection moves. Both Kerry and Richard are noted for their modesty and generosity, and the efficiency and speed with which they accomplish their work. They quietly keep the Library running, with teamwork and determination, while consistently delivering excellent client service. Says Kerry, “Doing a good job and working hard pays off – it’s nice to be recognized for this and realize that what you do doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you to Richard for putting up with me, and Lynne Gamache (Borrower Services librarian) for her support over the years.”
Doug Brigham (Acting Head, Technical Services), recipient of the Innovation Award, is celebrated for his leadership in pioneering innovative work processes, and his commitment to challenging existing ways of thinking. As he navigates change, Doug remains committed to ensuring his team members have the necessary tools to adapt and excel – through education, training and empowerment. Doug’s leadership on new batch-processing methods resulted in significant improvements to the findability of Library resources – a major contribution that serves Library users in an important way.“Receiving the Innovation Award means a great deal to me because it comes from my colleagues, “ notes Doug. “I am constantly trying to develop new ways of doing our work so that we can improve our working lives at the same time as we improve our users’ experience of the UBC Library. I am honoured and touched to have my work recognized in this way.”
Tomoko Kitayama (Team Leader, Asian Languages), as recipient of the Employee Excellence Award, brings the highest level of achievement to her work, and inspires, encourages and supports the pursuit of excellence in others. Her efforts are always done with the best interests of her unit and the Library at the forefront, and the results are lasting improvements to her workplace. “I am humbled by the honour of receiving this year’s Employee Excellence Award,” says Tomoko. “I happen to be blessed with exceptional managers and colleagues, past and present, who have made my work life rewarding and have constantly challenged me to be my best. Indeed the Library community has become my second family; we care for each other through the life’s ups and downs.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all these people throughout the Library, especially the Asian Languages Team in the Technical Services. This award is really for all of them as well as for myself. Lastly I would like to dedicate this award to the memory of our former colleague Joan Stuchner, who taught me to be generous, to pursue my dream and to have the grace to laugh at myself sometimes. May she rest in peace.”
Well done and congratulations to all the winners
UBC library is chockablock with many great people–it must have been difficult to pare down this year’s finalists. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Tomoko and Doug last year while at Asian and definitely noticed and appreciated the behind-the scenes work of both Kerry and Richard while finishing at St. Paul’s. Thank you for continuing to inspire those around you and for making a difference.