The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Mackenzie Schley of Sherburn, Minnesota as the 2019 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship recipient.
The scholarship was named for a long-time ALA staff member who directed the ALA Conference Services Office for more than 20 years. This scholarship fund was established with donations from Christopher J. Hoy and the Exhibits Round Table (ERT) to honor his memory. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master’s degree in library and information studies.
Schley got a view of what the library profession involves as a high school student when she worked as a page in her local library. Later, she worked in another public library while she pursued her undergraduate degree. The library is where she discovered her passion. She stated, “My experiences in public libraries have shaped my life and now I look towards a future where I can be in a position to help shape them.” Currently, Schley works as a substitute library assistant in the Jackson County Library system (MN). Her goal is to be in a position that would allow her to ensure that the library is the “vital heart of the community, helping to build connections and bridging paths of inequalities.”
The skill and knowledge that Schley has gained by working in libraries has not gone unnoticed. One reference stated that she “strives for excellence and goes the extra mile to achieve her goals. She demonstrates extraordinary performance in all aspects of her position. Her knowledge of library practices is already on a level that would usually be expected from a master’s level employee. She is well respected both in the community and among her coworkers. She shares information willingly, works well with others and is looked to for her expertise. She is a true leader.”
When referring to Schley, another reference stated that “her work consistently demonstrates high level critical and creative thinking skills. She is curious, thoughtful, and a true problem-solver. Her intellect and work ethic coupled with a commitment to public service make her ideal for the library profession. She models professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and encouragement for her peers and colleagues. Her public service heart is the biggest reason she would be at the top of my hiring list. I believe she will be part of the next wave of leaders in the library profession.”
Schley plans to attend the University of Kentucky (Lexington).
For information on the ALA Scholarship program, visit our scholarship page.
The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) manages the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse.
Originally published at https://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2019/07/mackenzie-schley-selected-2019-christopher-hoyert-scholarship-recipient
