Pfizer Award Winner
Elizabeth A. Strother
This summer Liz Strother, Head of the Dental Library, celebrated her 28th year as a professional librarian and was also selected as a 2000 recipient of an LSUHSC Pfizer Award for Excellence in Education, Research, and Patient Care. The Library was pleased that another of its employees was recognized for her commitment and dedication to providing a high level of Library Service.
Liz began her career in 1972 at the UNO library as the Interlibrary Loan Librarian and a staff member in the Humanities Reference Department. She came to New Orleans from her home state of Michigan after completing her Masters in Library Science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Originally Liz expected her move to New Orleans to be a pleasant but brief adventure, and assumed she would continue her career with a return to the Midwest. In 1978 Library Director John Isché hired her as the new Head of the Dental Library, a position Liz has held for 22 years!
A strong philosophy of service is important to Liz. She and her staff strive to create a Library environment in which users are comfortable in seeking help and in mastering the informatics skills needed of today's health care professionals. She especially appreciates the personal relationships that have developed through the years with students and faculty. In the last 28 years Liz has observed and been a part of the evolving nature of Library Service. The arrival of computers and the Internet are the most significant changes she has observed during her tenure at the Dental School Library. She is especially proud of the Dental Information Management Skills (DIMS) course she teaches to incoming freshmen students. Through her efforts the Curriculum Committee originally approved her course in 1988. The 10-hour class has been revised through the years with changes in content and in methods of presentation of material.
During her professional career Liz has been a member and officer in a variety of Library organizations including the Louisiana Library Association, the Medical Library Association, and the South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association. She also participates actively on various Dental School committees.
In addition to her professional interests Liz enjoys a variety of activities. She is an avid quilter, and has mastered hand-sewing skills through projects for family members. She especially enjoys baking and her co-workers at the Dental and Isché Libraries look forward to her treats at department functions. With her husband, Garland, Liz shares a strong interest in Latin culture, language, and music and makes yearly trips to Mexico.
As Liz completes another year as Head of the Dental Library she says she is enjoying her role more. She described her job as a "perfect one" in which she has a nice blend of independence and support. With a centralized Library Administration providing the support for acquisitions, cataloging, and other tasks, she is able to focus on providing a high level of Library Service to Dental School faculty and students.
The staff of LSUHSC Dental and Isché Libraries congratulates Liz on receiving the Pfizer award and celebrates her commitment to Library Service. We are fortunate to have her as our colleague!
-- Pauline Fulda
Julie Schiavo