A Commitment to Service: QSI Award Winner

John Stork, Assistant Head of Langsam Library’s Circulation Services Department, has been referred to as the “glue that holds the department together.” Stork is known to volunteer to staff the service desk when scheduling conflicts occur and he can be counted on to put the needs of library users first. It is this commitment to the library and to users that led to Stork being awarded the University Libraries’ Quality Service Initiative (QSI) Award for Fall Quarter 2006.

Stork began his work in University Libraries as a student assistant in 1990 in the former Periodicals, Monographs, and Reserves Department. His supervisor at that time, Peggie Welker, Student Employment and Training Manager, said that Stork’s commitment to quality service was evident from the start. “John viewed serving users as a labor of love and he truly enjoyed helping others,” Welker said. “He could be relied upon by all library staff and his contributions to the department were invaluable.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in classics from UC and a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Stork returned to work in University Libraries full time in 2000.

In his current position in the Circulation Services Department, Stork has many responsibilities both behind the service desk and within the department. When helping users, Stork exhibits a wealth of knowledge about the library plus a friendly demeanor and quiet sense of humor that help him relate to users and sometimes defuse stressful situations. Stork’s work within the department helps to keep things running smoothly, such as when he spearheaded the automation of the Langsam Library locker system, bringing efficiency to the assignment of lockers. “His commitment to University Libraries is evident in his daily work and his participation in committees and teams that advance our mission and long term goals,” said Dean and University Librarian Victoria A. Montavon upon presenting the QSI Award to Stork.

Arlene Johnson, Head of the Circulation Services Department, adds: “John consistently provides an exemplary level of library service to faculty, students, and his colleagues in University Libraries. His manner is always approachable, and his work is thoughtful, thorough, and accurate. On behalf of his colleagues in the Circulation Services Department, I congratulate him on winning this award.” Let’s all join Arlene in congratulating John and thanking him for his fine work.

The QSI Award recognizes the work of University Libraries staff members who strive to provide the quality service to library staff as well as to their colleagues. The award is presented three times per academic year.

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