Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
Chancellor Kent Syverud | Syracuse University
Kelly Delevan, an information literacy librarian at Syracuse University Libraries, has been honored with the 2024 Libraries’ Distinguished Service Award. The accolade was presented during the Libraries' holiday and recognition event on December 19.
The award is a long-standing tradition that acknowledges staff members who have significantly contributed to both the Libraries and the wider University community. A panel comprising Libraries' staff from various departments evaluated nominations and selected Delevan based on her exceptional service to library users, professional skills, and contributions to the community. This award is open to all Library employees and relies on peer nominations, a supervisor's recommendation, and endorsements from at least two University community members.
Delevan was recognized for her dedication to education, mentorship, and advancement in library and information science. She revitalized the Libraries’ instruction program and promoted information literacy as a key competency for undergraduate students. Her efforts have encouraged critical thinking among undergraduates while enhancing their research skills.
Her collaboration with the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) and First Year Seminar has had a notable impact on students. She developed workshops for SOURCE grant applicants focusing on goal setting and project planning. Additionally, she created a library research guide for First Year Seminar students that is now part of over 200 course sections. Furthermore, Delevan introduced an online tutorial for athletic tutors to aid student-athletes.
Graduate students have also benefited from Delevan’s Information Literacy Scholars program, which offers experiential learning opportunities in instructional design. Twenty-four graduate students have gained from her guidance in becoming successful instructors.
In addition to student engagement, Delevan initiated a faculty development program called Information Literacy and Technological Agility (ILTA), co-sponsored by Academic Affairs, aimed at integrating these skills into faculty syllabi.
These initiatives have established Delevan as a leader within the campus community and beyond. Her work in workshops, lectures, and writings is well-regarded in library studies circles.
A former Information Literacy Scholar praised Delevan: “Everything she does for her IL Scholars, for the students they teach together, and for our library community as a whole, without any expectation of recognition, makes her the perfect candidate for this award.”