UVic Libraries announces new award

by: Christine Walde, Grants and Awards Librarian

UVic Libraries is proud to announce a new award unique to UVic Libraries: The University of Victoria Libraries Honorary Librarian and Archivist Award. The inaugural recipient is Shelagh Rogers, the celebrated veteran broadcast-journalist and Chancellor Emerita of UVic.

The designation signifies the commitment to honoring extraordinary individuals who possess ways of knowing and being that reflect the competencies and values of librarianship and archival studies.

Criteria for the award includes: an extraordinary knowledge or professional and/or lived experience that warrants recognition; expertise in a selected field(s) that has positive impact on areas of activities related to UVic Libraries; a demonstrated commitment to and/or advocacy for advancing library and information studies or archival studies. Designated by the University Librarian, and in consultation with the Libraries’ Executive Team, the chosen individual also reflects UVic Libraries’ values of Open, Engaged, and Enduring.

Shelagh’s contributions to truth and reconciliation, wellness, and literacy have had profound impact for many Canadians, coast to coast to coast. In 2011, she was inducted as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In the same year, she was named an Officer of The Order of Canada, for promoting adult literacy, advocating for mental health, and Truth and Reconciliation. In 2016, she received the inaugural Margaret Trudeau Award for Mental Health Advocacy. She also holds eight honorary doctorates and is Chancellor Emerita of the University of Victoria. In 2019, Shelagh was selected as one of the inaugural Library and Archives Canada Scholars for “individuals who have dedicated their lives to the creation and promotion of the country’s literary and historical heritage.”

For Shelagh, it was a great honour being named an Honorary Librarian and Archivist of the University of Victoria Libraries. As noted in her bio, she “has loved every minute being in the company of UVic librarians and always ensured their contributions to students’ academic success was acknowledged at every convocation ceremony over which she presided.”

Shelagh was co-editor of the Speaking My Truth series of books about truth, residential schools and reconciliation, and participated in the KULA Special Issue: Indigenous Knowledges, published by UVic Libraries.