Phillips Receives UWs Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award

Lori Phillips, associate dean of the University of Wyoming Libraries, is the recipient of UW’s 2017 Agnes Milstead Distinguished Librarianship Award.

The late Agnes Milstead, a former professor of education and library science at UW, established the prestigious award in 1993 to recognize significant contributions to the UW Libraries in scholarship, program development, teaching, fundraising and professional achievements.

Phillips has worked in a variety of roles at the libraries for more than 25 years, serving as a librarian, teacher, mentor, colleague and administrator. She served as interim dean of UW Libraries from July 2015-June 2016.

Phillips was one of the developers of the first TIP: Tutorial for Info Power that was taken by thousands of students as part of the university’s information literacy requirement. She has overseen strategic planning and reorganization of services or staff to accommodate initiatives or reductions in workforce. She is a strong supporter of professional development for both faculty and staff.

“What I appreciate about Lori, from my own perspectives at UW Libraries, is her selfless service on behalf of this organization,” says David Kruger, senior librarian.

Maggie Farrell, former dean of UW Libraries, wrote in her nomination letter, “Throughout her Wyoming career, Lori has sought to improve services to advance university priorities and initiatives. Within the libraries, Lori oversaw the expansion of the digital program, including the creation of the scholarly communication program. These cutting-edge developments provided visibility to unique UW research and collections advancing the research of faculty.”

Phillips has provided leadership for statewide initiatives, including training and promotion of health science information. She also has taken on the role of leading the Legislative Committee for the Wyoming Library Association. 

On the national level, Phillips has advanced librarianship as a leader in library ethics, working with the Association of College Research Libraries and the American Library Association committees to provide training and information on library values that guide her profession.

“Such is Lori’s career that she works hard, usually behind the scenes, without regard for personal recognition. Lori models the best of Agnes Milstead: a passion for librarianship, a high regard for her colleagues, an unrelenting focus and a strong work ethic,” Farrell added in her letter.

Phillips earned a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in history from UW.