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Marshall, information, library science dean, named fellow of Medical Library Association

Dr. Joanne Gard Marshall, dean of UNC’s School of Information and Library Science, has been named a fellow of the Medical Library Association to recognize her outstanding contributions and commitment to health sciences information.

"Associations such as MLA are an essential part of our profession," Marshall said. "We gain a great deal from such groups, but it is just as important to give back to them as well. I look forward to making further contributions as a fellow."

The association is an educational organization of more than 1,000 institutions and 3,800 individual members in the health sciences information field. Members serve society by developing new health information delivery systems, fostering educational and research programs for health sciences information professionals and encouraging an enhanced public awareness of health care issues.

Marshall, school dean since January 1999, came to UNC from the University of Toronto, where she was a professor on the faculty of information studies. Her research has concerned consumer health information services and the value and impact of libraries.

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Children's literature expert Brian Sturm named outstanding teacher for 2001-2002

Dr. Brian Sturm, an assistant professor at UNC’s School of Information and Library Science (SILS), was named the school’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002.

Sturm, on the faculty since 1998, is the school's sixth professor to win the annual award, funded by interest from the school’s Bicentennial Teaching Award Endowment established in 1995. The award is based on nominations and class evaluations from students and submissions from faculty members outlining their teaching philosophies. A $2,500 cash award accompanies the honor.

Dr. David Carr, last year’s winner, presented the honor to Sturm at the school’s annual spring commencement ceremony. Carr discussed Sturm’s teaching philosophy and read excerpts from students' nominations.

Students described Sturm as a teacher who "does not allow (students) to settle for an easy answer" and who is "always pushing (students) to think in new ways." Other statements praised Sturm for his enthusiasm and his readiness "to discuss career issues, to chat or to offer strategies for coping with stress and school."

Sturm also received the 2002 Storytelling World Award for "The Storyteller’s Sourcebook, 1983-1999: A Motif, Title, Subject and Geographic/Ethnic Index to Folklore Collections for Children,"

a book he co-wrote with Margaret Read MacDonald. Storytelling World, an international journal for school and children's librarians, sponsored the award and recognized the book for its "highest quality storytelling resources."

Sturm's research interests include storytelling and folklore, children and technology, children’s and young adults’ literature and bibliotherapy, the use of reading materials for help in solving problems.

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Photo URL: www.ils.unc.edu/photos/marshall.jpg

Photo URL: www.ils.unc.edu/photos/sturm.jpg

Contact: David MacDonald, 919-843-8337, macdonald@ils.unc.edu