UA Professor Receives Two Esteemed Awards from Alabama Library Association

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Annabel Stephens, a professor in the School of Library and Information Studies at The University of Alabama, recently received the annual Eminent Librarian award and an award for Lifetime Achievement from the Alabama Library Association.

The Eminent Librarian award is given annually to someone who has made an exceptional and enduring contribution toward the development of library service within Alabama. The Lifetime Achievement award is given only on rare occasions where it is evident an individual has made significant contributions to library studies during a career.

“These prestigious awards reflect Dr. Stephens’ commitment to teaching and learning,” said Dr. Elizabeth Aversa, director of the school, which is housed in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. “She’s made a great impact on Alabama during her tenure. When accepting her awards, she asked those in attendance to raise their hand if she has taught them, and just about the entire room had their hands up.”

A former service-oriented public librarian, Stephens has provided consultation to directors of the state’s small public libraries and to the state library agency and served on advisory boards and committees of state and national professional organizations. Her research has focused on public library services and collections, particularly citizen and staff participation in planning.

The School of Library and Information Studies is Alabama’s only library education program accredited by the American Library Association, and the school offers both a master of library and information studies and a master of fine arts in the book arts.