Top row: Kat McGrath, Lisa Larkins; Middle row: Linda Wensveen; Bottom row: Katherine Kalsbeek, Dr. Susan E. Parker.
UBC Library is pleased to announce that Katherine Kalsbeek, Lisa Larkins, Kat McGrath, and Linda Wensveen are the 2020 recipients of UBC Library Awards. Each year, the Library Awards Program shines a light on those employees who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, leadership, excellence and a dedication to customer service through their work.
The awards were presented during the 2020 UBC Library Summer Recognition Awards Ceremony, held virtually on Zoom this year on Monday, June 15, 2020. Congratulations to Katherine, Lisa, Kat and Linda, and thank you to everyone who participated by submitting nominations.
Katherine Kalsbeek
Katherine Kalsbeek (Head, Rare Books & Special Collections) is a winner of the 2020 UBC Library Employee Excellence Award, which recognizes a Library employee who consistently demonstrates their commitment to making an impact on the Library and making it a better workplace for all, through living our values and behaviors. Their kindness, compassion and respect for those above and below make them eagerly sought after as project team members or leaders.
Katherine’s colleagues see her humility, warmth and visionary spirit as an inspiring example. Her impact can be seen in the collections she has shaped, the library staff and librarians she has supported, the relationships she has built, the leadership style she embodies.
Lisa Larkins
Lisa Larkins (E-resources Licensing Specialist, Technical Services) is the winner of the 2020 UBC Library Leadership From Within Award, which recognizes a Library employee who consistently demonstrates leadership through their ability to inspire engagement in others, while exemplifying the Library’s values. They are sought after for their advice and regularly go above and beyond for the betterment of processes, services or the workplace.
Lisa brings stamina, a logical mindset and a gift for communicating in a professional, firm and friendly manner with the range of vendors and publishers with which the Library and University conduct business.
Kat McGrath
Kat McGrath (Renewals & Collections Librarian, Technical Services) is a winner of the 2020 UBC Library Employee Excellence Award, which recognizes a Library employee who consistently demonstrates their commitment to making an impact on the Library and making it a better workplace for all through living our values and behaviors. Their kindness, compassion and respect for those above and below make them eagerly sought after as project team members or leaders. Their presence has made the Library a better place.
Leading by example, Kat’s unwavering work ethic, integrity and inclusiveness makes her a role model within the Library. She is lauded for her dedication to collections, research and learning, her leadership and collaborative spirit, and her enthusiasm in supporting community events and activities.
Linda Wensveen
Linda Wensveen (Library Assistant, Borrower Services) is the winner of the 2020 UBC Library Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes a Library employee or team who keeps our libraries running, delivering services collections and operations. Their efforts help the Library to effectively deliver the stellar service that users have come to expect.
After seeing her workload expand substantially when the campus first transitioned to online instructions in late March, Linda stayed focused and simply got to work in providing her expertise and excellent service. She continues to work closely with faculty, librarians and other course reserve staff, even at a distance.