Sue Polanka, a 1995 graduate of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), was named as one of Library Journal's 2011 Movers and Shakers for her work promoting e-books in libraries.
Polanka, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, received her bachelor's degree from University of Dayton,'90, in communications and marketing. Currently, she is head of reference and instruction at Wright State University.
After graduating from Dayton, Polanka took a six-week position typing picture book orders in the children's department of the Dayton Metro Library while in between jobs. She took the position short-term, but fell in love with the library field.
"I thought I could do some job searching along the way, but I never left," she said. "I loved the people, the service atmosphere and the work. I applied for a temporary position at the library doing interlibrary loan and reference support for two regional library groups and eventually began my M.L.S. degree. The library hired me as a reference librarian shortly after I began my degree."
Polanka was nominated in the "change agent" category for the Mover and Shaker award. She has worked to promote e-books in libraries, and even started a blog in 2008, No Shelf Required, and edited a book of the same name in 2010. She has also edited two forthcoming books, No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of E-books (ALA Editions, 2012) and E-Reference Context and Discoverability in Libraries: Issues and Concepts (IGI Publishing, 2012).
According to Library Journal, "Her colleagues say that Polanka is far more than just plugged into the ebook buzz. They consider her a trusted resource and cite her ability to communicate with programmers and other specialists involved in developing and delivering new technology."
"This award is given to innovative librarians who are moving the professional forward and making a positive impact," Polanka said. "I know that at least two other SLIS faculty members who have received the award – Drs. Carolyn Brodie and Greg Byerly."
"Polanka isn't all about tech. She has given more than 40 presentations on various topics and increased library instruction by 60 percent in classes for incoming Wright State students. And if e-books are on the agenda, chances are she's there," according to Library Journal.
"Library Journal started the Mover and Shaker award 10 years ago," Polanka said. "It is given to 50 librarians worldwide each year. It is truly an honor to be named as a 2011 Mover and Shaker."