Norma Collier has been presented this year’s Nora Bateson Award for Excellence in Library Service in recognition of her initiative and commitment to strengthening the library service and serving Islanders, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson.
“In her position as branch services librarian, Ms. Collier has worked tirelessly to advance the level of service offered at English rural branches across the province,” said Minister Henderson. “She has overseen the introduction of a number of projects, including changes in technology such as e-books, and she handles every task with a knowledgeable and energetic approach.”
Ms. Collier first worked as a librarian in Summerside and was hired as Branch Services Librarian in 1997. Working out of the Public Library Service headquarters in Morell, Ms. Collier manages employees located in 20 locations across Prince Edward Island. She is also responsible for the selection of adult fiction for the library service’s catalogue and ensures all genres are well represented for Islanders’ enjoyment.
This award was created in honour of the Island’s first librarian, Nora Bateson. Ms. Bateson traveled throughout the province promoting the development of community libraries beginning in 1933. She helped open many library branches on Prince Edward Island in the 1930s. Today there are 26 public libraries serving communities on Prince Edward Island.
The award recognizes a current staff member who exemplifies the initiative and commitment to excellence that Nora Bateson stood for.
For more information on the PEI Public Library Service, visit www.library.pe.ca