Community Corner
Enfield Reference Librarian Wins Intellectual Freedom Awards
Head of Reference Services Samantha Lee won two awards that recognize her work to protect library patron privacy.
Press release from Enfield Public Library:
June 25, 2021
Samantha Lee, Head of Reference Services at the Enfield Public Library, is the recipient of two awards that recognize the work she has done to protect library patron privacy. An online ceremony was held by the American Library Association on Thursday, June 24th where Sam and the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Connecticut Library Association were awarded the Gerald Hodges Award.
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Sam Lee, in her capacity as chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, identified emerging issues with LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) and initiated a national conversation within the profession on the topic of privacy and the appropriate use of patron information. Beginning with statewide discussion, then a widely read blog post, her advocacy efforts inspired a campaign that resulted in LinkedIn Learning changing its registration terms for library users and dropping the requirement to create a LinkedIn profile to access the service.
The Hodges Award is awarded for a strong multi-year, ongoing program or a single, one year project that exemplifies support for intellectual freedom, patron confidentiality, and anti-censorship efforts. The award is named after Gerald Hodges, an ALA staff member from 1989 to 2006.
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Sam was also awarded the Connecticut Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award for her work on LinkedIn Learning last year.
Director of Library Services, Jason Neely, said, “We are very proud to have Sam as part of the team here at the Enfield Public Library. Along with her strong advocacy regarding patron privacy, she provides excellent customer service to the residents of Enfield. She and fellow librarian, Lisa Sprague, helped hundreds of residents navigate the complex process of making COVID vaccine appointments over the last four months. Sam also brings some really outside the box ideas to the library. One of her very popular programs that she started is the Cookbook Club, which is sort of a hybrid between a book club and supper club. Sam has worked in libraries throughout the state and pulls on that experience every day. The Enfield Public Library is fortunate to have her.”
This press release was produced by Enfield Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.