The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association, has selected Mary Burkey, independent library consultant, as the recipient of the 2017 Louis Shores Award which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding book and media reviewing for libraries.
The audiobook industry is booming, while audio adds increasing value to the consumer marketplace. These trends challenge librarians to adapt to new publishing models and thoughtfully invest in these resources. Mary Burkey’s contribution to librarians and educators working with audio has long been a model. Covering fiction and nonfiction for all ages, she ably traverses its soundscape with judgment and skill, deftly integrating knowledge and passion. Her sustained body of work selecting the best in the field, via award committees, columns, and reviews, reflects her commitment and deep knowledge. Her work supports collection building, positioning librarians to best serve patrons.
Mary Burkey will be presented with a citation at the RUSA Achievement Awards Ceremony at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago in June.
The Louis Shores Award selection committee includes Neal Wyatt, Chair; Dena Heilik, Free Library of Philadelphia; Edward Kownslar, Texas A&M University-CC; Lucy M. Lockley, St. Charles City-County Library District, MO; Julie Ann Murphy, Illinois State University; Kaite Mediatore Stover, Kansas City Public Library; Sarah Barbara Watstein, University of North Carolina Wilmington.