Jones Names Libraries Employee of the Year
Sally Smith: received the 2023 EBSCO Annual Conference Travel Grant from the Medical Library Association; received the Research Paper Award from the Southern Chapter of the Medical Library Association; earned Systematic Review Services Specialization from the Medical Library Association; co-authored the paper “Supporting Early Career Academic Librarians: A Scoping Review of Research Literature on Early Career Professional Development Initiatives (protocol)” on OSF Elias Tzoc: co-authored the article “ChatGPT: Implications for Academic Libraries” in College & Research Libraries News Chris Vidas: presented a Carterette Webinar titled “Self- Learning in an Electronic Resources Librarian Role;” published “Thinking Beyond the Spreadsheet: Forecasting for Uncertain Futures” in Against the Grain conference proceedings; published “Implementing Cyclical Renewal Assessments” in Serials Review conference proceedings Chris Vinson: published “Technology Equipment Lending in an Academic Library: Understanding Patron Usage and Proficiency Through Quantiative Assessment” in The Journal of Academic Librarianship Shannon Willis: co-authored the article “Creating a Sustainable Professional Development Program” published in the Journal of Library Administration Yang Wu: published “Library Led Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Tips and Lessons from a Grant Project to Develop Robotics, Mechatronics and Advanced Manufacturing OER Materials” in the Association of Academic and Research Libraries 2023 Conference Proceedings; published the article “Do OER Textbooks Have Value Beyond Cost Savings? An Analysis of Student Learning Behavior and Faculty Teaching Strategies in an American University” in the Journal of Open Educational Resources in Higher Education; published “The Role of Libraries in Collaborative OER Development” in the American Society for Engineering Education Conference Proceedings; presented on open education certificate programs as part of PASCAL’s “Growing OER On Your Campus Showcase”
Jones was one of the first Libraries staff members on the scene after a pipe burst caused flooding in Cooper Library over the holiday break. He quickly responded and worked to document the extensive damage, which helped the Libraries’ leadership manage the crisis. In addition to his role as facilities manager, Jones serves as one of Cooper Library’s building security coordinators. Other than responding to building emergencies, Jones oversees furniture placement and maintenance, is responsible for managing all keys to the building, manages work orders, assists with event coordination and just about anything else that might arise in the management of a 184,000-plus square foot building. He said he is still learning on the job every day. “The best part about this job is being back in the building. I start in acquisitions on the third floor, now I’m back on the third floor. I like being in the middle of campus,” said Jones. A native of Calhoun Falls, Jones is a Clemson alumnus with a degree in fine arts. As a student, he was a member of Tiger Band and worked as the Tiger mascot. He has studied martial arts since he was a teenager and is a certified instructor in Cuong Nhu, a unique martial art style that blends elements and techniques from several other martial arts.
Libraries Superlatives Awards:
Libraries faculty and staff voted on Superlative Awards for the first time this year, recognizing their colleagues for outstanding work. The awards were presented at the annual Employee Appreciation Day celebration in May.
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Outstanding New Employee: Otis Pickett
• Outstanding Impact Award, Faculty: Jessica Serrao • Outstanding Impact Award, Staff: Paul Best • Outstanding DEI Champion, Faculty: Shamella Cromartie • Outstanding DEI Champion, Staff: Alydia Sims • Outstanding Helpfulness, Faculty: Anne Grant • Outstanding Helpfulness, Staff: Rodger Bishop • Outstanding Research/Creative Activities: Kelsey Sheaffer • Outstanding Service Librarian: Amanda McLeod • Overall Outstanding Librarian: Renna Redd
Darius Jones, facilities manager, has been named the Clemson Libraries Employee of the Year. The award, which was established in 1987, recognizes a Libraries staff member for significant contributions and excellence in service, innovation and teamwork. Jones has been on the staff at the Libraries since 2007, but moved into the facilities manager role in 2021. Prior to becoming facilities manager, he worked in acquisitions and then in the digitization lab at the Library Depot. His nominators cited his enthusiasm, work ethic and adaptability in the face of challenges as reasons why he was deserving of the award. “In his new position as facilities manager, Darius has excelled through each challenge presented to him. Late COVID protocols, new and redesigned spaces, and a flood to top it all off, all of which were extremely well managed by Darius in a proactive and caring manner. His sense of urgency and attention to detail are invaluable and have not gone unnoticed around Cooper Library,” wrote one nominator.
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