Spring 2001Page 14

Centennial Snapshot:
Nellie Mary Carey

On July 16, 1935 Nellie Carey was retained as Executive Secretary for the re-established Nebraska Public Library Commission at a salary of $2000 for the year. A flurry of activity followed, with discussions about getting material to every part of the state, developing a regional plan, putting the "proper reading material" in the state institutions, and paying for Mrs. Cochran's expenses to appear before the Carnegie Corporation in New York with a "prospectus of Library Experimental Work in Nebraska or regions thereof."

Nellie Carey earned her bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1915. She received her teaching certificate and taught in Nebraska, Kansas, and Wyoming from 1915-1925. She began her library career as an assistant at New York Public Library in 1926. By October 9, 1931 she was appointed to succeed Nellie Williams as Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Public Library Commission. She worked under Gilbert Doane during the abolition of the Commission in 1933. She stayed with the Commission until August 1944, when she resigned to take a position as librarian at Peru State Teachers College. For more information about the Nebraska Library Commission during the 1930s and 1940s, see the Library Commission home page, click on Centennial.

News from NLA:

Nebraska Library Association (NLA) Scholarships

Three NLA scholarships will be awarded this spring to NLA members pursuing education and training in the field of librarianship. Two Louise A. Nixon Scholarships ($1000 each) will be awarded, supporting students pursuing graduate level library education, either on a full- or part-time basis. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.nol.org/home/NLA/nixonsschol.htm. One Duane Munson Scholarship ($250) will be awarded, supporting practicing librarians and paraprofessionals acquiring additional professional training. Guidelines and application forms are available at www.nol.org/home/NLA/munsonschol.htm. The application deadline for both scholarships is April 15. Recipients will be announced in May. Contact Dr. Becky Pasco, 402-554-2119, e-mail: rpasco@unomaha.edu.

Nebraska Library Association Awards

The Nebraska Library Association Citations Committee invites nominations for 2001 Awards. The Meritorious Service Award is given annually to a person, corporation, group, or organization contributing to the improvement of library service in a local community, a county, region, or state agency, or through library legislation. The Mari Sandoz Award recognizes significant, enduring contribution to the Nebraska book world through writing, film production, or related activity.

The original letter of nomination should include the nominee's name, address, and telephone number; the nominee's accomplishments; and any relevant supporting documentation. The letter should also include the name, title, address, and telephone number of the person or group making the nomination. At least four letters providing further information about the nominee must be submitted as support and endorsement of the nomination. Nominations and letters of support must be received by May 30. Submit to Janet Greser, Chair, NLA Citations Committee 2001, Nebraska Library Commission, 1200 N St. Suite 120, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-2023 or e-mail: Janet Greser.

Annual Conference Set

Plans are underway for the 2001 Nebraska Library Association (NLA)/ Nebraska Educational Media Association (NEMA) Convention, October 17-19 at the Holiday and Ramada Inns in Kearney. The program committee is seeking ideas and suggestions for sectional presentations to fit the theme, Library Cooperation: The Key for Success. To make suggestions for program topics contact Sue Divan, NEMA Program Chair at sdivan@esu10.org or Sally Payne, NLA Program Chair at spayne@monarch.papillion.ne.us.

Directory Available

The NLA College and University Directory (Web version-PDF) is ready for access at http://reinert.creighton.edu/cu/dir2001.pdf. To make corrections or additions, or for more information, contact Chris LeBeau, Reference Librarian and Coordinator of Electronic Services, Reinert/Alumni Library, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, 402-280-1757, fax: 402-280-2435, e-mail: clbeau@creighton.edu.