FSU-SLIS alumnus Jim Morris (MS ’89) was named as the Florida Library Association’s 2012 Librarian of the Year at an awards ceremony held during their annual conference on April 20. Morris, who is Executive Director of Library and Community Services at Florida Gateway College (FGC) in Lake City, has been highly active in academic librarianship in Florida.

As reported in the Lake City Journal, “He was nominated in-part for his efforts and leadership as part of the Task Force on the Future of Academic Libraries in Florida for the past two years. The goal of the group was to establish a joint library organization to meet the needs of libraries in both the Florida College System and State University System.”

“Morris has also served as the chair of the College Center for Library Automation’s Advisory Board and Executive Committee, and past chair for NEFLIN (Northeast Florida Librarian Information Network).”

“He was also nominated for his work in the design and [recent] opening of the new Wilson S. Rivers Library and Media Center at Florida Gateway College.”

Corinne Jörgensen, Director of the FSU School of Library & Information Studies, said, “We are tremendously proud of Jim and his contributions to librarianship and leadership in the profession in the State of Florida.”

The FLA Librarian of the Year Award “is presented in recognition of outstanding and ongoing contributions to Florida librarianship through participation in professional associations, exhibition of exemplary leadership skills, commitment to free access to information for all Floridians, promotion of reading and the increased usage of library materials, and evidence of creativity and/or innovation in providing services, resources and programs,” FLA website.