On Tuesday, April 21, during National Library Week (April 19 – 25), the Hesburgh Libraries held its annual recognition celebration. Library staff and faculty members were recognized for milestone years of service; several staff members received a Library Award for Excellence, and select faculty received a Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrated by libraries nationwide each April. It is a time to recognize the contributions of our nation’s libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. Tuesday of National Library Week is designated as National Library Workers Day and is a chance to celebrate the people who make libraries work.

During the welcome remarks, the dean of the Hesburgh Libraries reflected on the theme for National Library Week 2026, “Find Your Joy.” This year’s theme is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy for them at the library. It reminds us of the unique role the Hesburgh Libraries plays at the heart of the University’s academic core — a place that fosters discovery and curiosity, and connects people to knowledge across time and space, making it accessible for study by all scholars.

“I’m delighted to celebrate this year’s library award winners, both faculty and staff, for their extraordinary contributions to the Hesburgh Libraries over the past academic year. Whether working on the front lines with students and faculty or on vital processes and services behind the scenes, their efforts have made the Libraries a better place. I’m grateful to them for their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to service,” said Margaret Meserve, Edward H. Arnold Dean of the Hesburgh Libraries.

In honor of their work, expertise, and dedication, special recognition was given to Hesburgh Libraries staff and faculty members for their exceptional achievements beyond their regular job responsibilities.

Congratulations to our winners of the Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award and the Library Staff Award for Excellence. This year’s awardees include:

Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award

Rachel Bohlmann, American History Librarian and Curator — For her steady stewardship, commitment to students, and leadership during a sustained interim appointment.

Tiffany Gillaspy, Music Librarian — For her strategic vision, leadership, and consistent follow-through.

Monica Moore, Department Head, Researcher Services and Scholarly Communication — For her unwavering dedication and going above and beyond for her colleagues and students.

Library Staff Award for Excellence

Lisa Baer, Instruction & Reference Services Assistant — For her dedication, expertise, and strong attention to detail.

Tim Blewett, Manager, Document Delivery, Stacks, and Annex — For his thoughtful leadership and proactive spirit.

Maggie Giles, Library Assistant III — For her cheerful attitude and tireless work ethic.

Adam Heet, Digital Projects Specialist — For his leadership in positioning the Libraries as a premier campus partner in innovation.

Sarah Joswick, Archivist for Records Management — For her technical expertise and dedication to stewardship and outreach.

Cindi McDonald, Sr. Metadata Technician — For her meticulous attention to detail and for protecting the integrity of our bibliographic resources.

Lisa Stienbarger, Data Integrity Specialist — For her contagious love of the work, extraordinary problem-solving skills, and lasting impact on her colleagues.

Beata Trozzolo, Systems Integration Specialist — For her technical expertise, as well as her patience, leadership, and diligence.

Holly Welch, Senior Library Specialist — For her unwavering dedication and going above and beyond for her colleagues, students, and our collections.

Alicia Zimmerle, Sr. Metadata Technician — For her commitment to preserving cultural history and making it discoverable to the global scholarly community.