Foote named Illinois Library Luminary

Diane Foote

Diane Foote (MSLIS '06), former executive director of the Illinois Library Association (ILA), has been inducted as an Illinois Library Luminary. The Illinois Library Luminary program, an initiative of the ILA, recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to Illinois libraries.

During Foote's tenure as ILA executive director, she expanded the iREAD summer reading program to seven new states and received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense to support the program. She led the way for revising ILA's Strategic Plan, which was implemented in 2019. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to advancing principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In an effort to make attendees feel safer and more comfortable at ILA events, Foote initiated a Statement of Appropriate Conduct and reporting process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Foote successfully applied for vital PPP funding to keep the organization afloat and pivoted conferences in 2020 and 2021 to a virtual format. She harnessed technology to the benefit of keeping members informed and in touch with each other. In addition, she worked with the ILA's Fundraising Committee to launch a brand-new donor recognition program, Illuminate Illinois.

Prior to leading the ILA, Foote served as assistant dean and curator of Butler Children's Literature Center at Dominican University; executive director of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA); and associate editor of ALA's Book Links Magazine and worked in the publishing industry.

Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

Dingle pays it forward through annual donation

When Susan Dingle (MSLIS '75) was researching various career paths in high school, she came across a pamphlet about librarians. The pamphlet's description of reference librarians piqued her interest and set her on a path that eventually led to her enrolling in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (as the iSchool was then known).

Susan Dingle

Get to know Jordan Neal, adult services manager

Jordan Neal (MSLIS '17) enjoys serving her community through her work at the Champaign Public Library. This fall, Neal was named one of Central Illinois Business magazine's 2023 Forty under 40 Award winners. The awards are given to young professionals in recognition of their career achievements, leadership ability, and dedication to community service.

Jordan Neal

Smalheiser named ACMI Fellow

Affiliate Professor Neil Smalheiser, professor of psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago, is one of twenty-three new Fellows inducted into the American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI). New Fellows are elected annually to the College by the 473-member body of Fellows.

Neil R Smalheiser

Spectrum Scholar Spotlight: Abigail Deweese

Seventeen iSchool master's students have been named 2023-2024 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. This "Spectrum Scholar Spotlight" series highlights the School's scholars. MSLIS student Abigail Deweese earned her bachelor's degree in global studies with a concentration in peace and conflict from Principia College.

Abigail Deweese

Ayorinde receives Jira Scholarship

MSLIS student Elizabeth Ayorinde has been awarded the Helen Jira Scholarship from the Health Science Librarians of Illinois (HSLI). The scholarship provides up to $5,000 towards tuition and/or other educational expenses for students pursuing a master's degree in library and information science. HSLI sponsors and supports activities that promote and develop health science library services in Illinois.

Elizabeth Ayorinde