Award for Outstanding Staff Member
Nancy Tessitore is the 2008 recipient of the University Libraries’ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBER. This award is given annually by the Libraries to recognize an exceptional Civil Service employee who enhances the work environment by fostering a positive attitude with a spirit of cooperation and creativity in support of the University Libraries’ mission and goals.
Recipients of the award must have been employed by the Libraries as a permanent Civil Service staff member for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years on a full- or part-time basis and need to have demonstrated characteristics and contributions worthy of recognition.
The 2008 AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBER jury, a volunteer committee, was composed of the following individuals: Brian S. Doubleday, Lisa Fenton, Morris L. Stilson, Gloria Herkowitz, Carol H. Jewell, and Elaine Moody (2007 recipient of the award). Anna Z. Radkowski-Lee, the Library personnel officer, is an ex-officio member of the Committee.
In bringing the name of Nancy Tessitore forward, the Committee stated the following: “Nancy has been a mentor to many, not just to those she has supervised, but to many new employees, even those who outrank her. She always has a positive attitude, which strengthens the morale of all. She used to do all of the word processing in various units; she was, in essence, the secretary, even though at the time she did not hold that civil service grade. She is always willing to learn new things, and to teach others various procedures. It is significant that she currently performs work previously done only by professionals: adding volumes and copies to sets and series, resolving circulation snags, doing collection transfers, copy cataloging English language monographs, and maintaining collection statistics. Technical Services work changes constantly, and Nancy has always shown herself to be a flexible and valuable employee. She always encourages people, is helpful, and non-judgmental. From years ago, typing innumerable card sets to currently being the most prolific copy cataloger in the Cataloging Services Department, Nancy has always liked her job. She is a great manager. Her opinions are highly valued and respected.” Nancy began her career with the University Libraries in September, 1966.
The AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF MEMBER was established in 2007. The first recipient was Elaine Moody. This award is underwritten by library supporters and alums.