University of Kentucky Libraries' online African American history tool wins RUSA award

"Robert A. Aken II, Web administration librarian and Reinette F. Jones, diversity and multicultural activities librarian, both of the University of Kentucky Libraries, have won the 2009 Gale Cengage Learning Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Library Services for the University of Kentucky Libraries' Notable Kentucky African Americans (NKAA) Database. The award is administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) and is given to a library or library system for development of an imaginative and unique resource to meet patrons' reference needs. The NKAA Database was selected not only for its role as an important educational tool, but its unique patron-driven approach to African American history both within and beyond the state of Kentucky. In the four years of the database's existence, it has grown and adapted to meet research needs and to accommodate the voluminous contributions of both library patrons and researchers. It has also had local and national impact, easily serving a broad audience thanks to its user-friendly search interface"