Karen G. Schneider (MS '92), university librarian at Holy Names University, Oakland, California, is the 2014 recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award. This award is given biennially to an individual for making positive changes in the profession of librarianship and consists of a 24K gold-framed citation and $1,000 contributed by the Elizabeth Futas Memorial Fund of the American Library Association.
"The 2014 Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award jury chose to honor Karen G. Schneider for a career noted by risk taking, inspiring and mentoring colleagues, and making opportunities for change out of the challenges to librarianship," said Ann Symons, committee chair.
Throughout her career Schneider has served as a leader and innovator, creative thinker and writer, librarian and technology expert. As a member of the American Library Association Council, she has served many terms providing insightful and constructive discussion to issues facing the organization. While sometimes seeming outspoken, she has always been an articulate proponent of accountability, change and action.
Her blog, Free Range Librarian, was one of the earliest in the profession and her book, A Practical Guide to Internet Filters, resulted in her being selected as an expert witness in the Mainstream Loudon First Amendment case. Both serve as examples of her groundbreaking and life-long commitment within the library community.
"The Futas jury was unanimous in its choice for this award," Symons said. "The committee was impressed by her unusual combination of integrity, skill, intellectual energy and commitment. As an innovator and catalyst for change, she has developed one of the earliest training programs for the Queens Library, wrote one of the first regular columns on Technology for American Libraries, and founded both the Resource Sharing Committee of the Statewide California Library Consortium and the first rapid delivery network for California's private academic libraries. It is this energy and passion for change that make Ms. Schneider the perfect recipient for the Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award."
Members of the 2014 Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award Jury are: Ann K. Symons, Chair, Douglas, Alaska.; Holly Clark Carroll, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, Colo.; Judith J. Field, Wayne State University, Northville, Mich.; Samantha Schmehl Hines (MS '03), Missoula College Library, Mont.; and Denise M. Zielinski, Joliet Public Library, Ill..
The Futas Award will be presented on Sunday, June 29, at the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas.