HU Librarian Earns 2007 ALA Equality Award

Hampton, VA -Gladys Smiley Bell, Peabody librarian at Hampton University’s William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library, has received the 2007 American Library Association (ALA) Equality Award. This award recognizes contributions toward promoting equality in the library profession. Dr. Kenneth A. Yamashita, library division manager at Stockton-San Joaquin County Library in Stockton, Calif., also received the award.

Bell and Yamashita were recognized for their work as co-chairs of the first Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, held Oct. 12-15, 2006 in Dallas, Texas. Under their leadership, the five ethnic affiliate associations of the ALA worked together to sponsor “Gathering at the Waters: Embracing Our Spirits, Telling our Stories,” the first-ever national conference for librarians and library workers of color. More than 1,000 participants and 129 exhibitors participated in this historic event.

“One of the biggest accomplishments was that we generated nearly $150,000 in scholarship proceeds. I’m proud to have been able to provide the leadership alongside my co-chair and eight others on the committee,” stated Bell. “I take great pride in what we accomplished.”

Bell has served as president of the Black Caucus of ALA (BCALA) from 2000-2002 and as an elected councilor-at-large for the ALA. In 2005, she was honored with the Demco/BCALA Excellence in Librarianship award.

Bell holds a master’s degree in library science from the Palmer Graduate Library School at Long Island University and a bachelor’s degree in zoology and allied sciences from Howard University. She has previously worked in libraries in New York, Ohio and Washington, D.C.

“The jury selected Gladys Smiley Bell and Dr. Kenneth A. Yamashita because of their inspired and dedicated leadership. The logistical issues alone were tremendous, but they worked collaboratively and with a sense of purpose,” said chair Robert R. Newlen of the Library of Congress.

Named for HU President Dr. William R. Harvey and his wife, Norma B. Harvey, the Harvey Library meets the information needs of the university community. Its collection includes more than 350,000 volumes and more than 1,000 periodicals. It also provides full-text access to local and national collections through electronic subscriptions and databases. Built in 1992, the library atrium displays “House of the Turtle” and “Treehouse” by acclaimed artist and Hampton graduate John Biggers.