WKU Libraries Associate Professor Nancy Richey recently received the “Special Librarian of the Year” award presented by the Special Libraries section of the Kentucky Library Association at the most recent KLA conference in Louisville on September 21. The purpose of the award is to recognize the contributions of an individual who has demonstrated the highest standards of special librarianship, shown continued growth, contributed to furthering the field, and is respected by fellow librarians.   

According to the nomination committee, Ms. Richey has demonstrated an ongoing pattern of research, publishing, and presentations that have highlighted ours and many other local communities. In addition to her duties as the Image Librarian, her vita reflects a consistent pattern and sincere commitment to research and writing in many areas, including fostering a great respect and need for Special Libraries and the profession.

"I was surprised but very pleased as I am passionate about our Special Collections Library and the value I believe that it has to WKU and to the larger community,” said Richey. “I believe professionally trained Special Librarians are valuable members of any academic environment as we can open up ‘unplowed fields’ of research to the world with information that is not available in any other location.”

Richey is the Reading Room Coordinator and Visual Resources Librarian for the Department of Library Special Collections at Western Kentucky University. A native of Mt. Hermon, Richey has been a faculty member at WKU since July 2008.