2026 Library Excellence Awards
University of Houston Libraries celebrated its outstanding employees at the 2026 Library Excellence Awards recently. Now in its 26th year, the event, held at the MD Anderson Library Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion, recognizes the commitment and talent of UH librarians and staff. The annual tradition is supported through the generosity of the John P. McGovern Foundation.
This year’s event theme was “Greatest of All Time,” inspired by the distinctions of UH Athletics, the recent Olympic Winter Games, and the upcoming World Cup. Dean of UH Libraries Christina Gola opened the festivities with gratitude for the many individuals who helped produce the awards event, including all nominators, members of the awards committee, members of the employee engagement committee, and staff. Libraries student employees who won scholarships for the upcoming academic year were also honored.
The Dean’s Advocate Award went to Heidi Appel, dean of the Honors College, who has been an extraordinary collaborator and advocate for UH Libraries over the past two years. Dean Appel deeply understands the essential role libraries serve in student success and has been a true partner in advancing that mission.
Dean Heidi Appel and Dean Christina Gola
Brooke Bailey is the McGovern Staff Rookie of the Year. Bailey is described as “an absolute marvel” whose expertise has had a positive impact on several processes at the Jenkins Architecture, Design, and Art Library. Under her direction, social media engagement has doubled, and with her promotion of materials, circulation has increased by more than 20%.
The McGovern Librarian Rookie of the Year is Louise Kidder, who is described as a “reliable, collaborative, and inclusive colleague.” Just six months after joining the Libraries, she stepped into an interim department head role, helping her team maintain “positive, steady morale during a time of significant change.” She successfully led several complex projects, improving workflows, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the Libraries’ ability to support student success and research.
The Student Achievement awards were presented to Riya Dhanduke and Christina Miller. Dhanduke is a “highly collaborative and dependable employee” in Resource Management and Metadata whose assistance in the Pressbooks to MARC Pilot project was invaluable. Miller is recognized for her “reliability, cheerful personality, playful creativity, and excellent work ethic” at the Jenkins Library.
This year’s McGovern Outstanding Student is Kira Giannetti, who is known to be a collaborative, professional, autonomous, and diligent sound engineer for the Hamill Studio. Giannetti conveys care, good judgment, and a high degree of technical expertise that is appreciated by her many studio clients.
Jamie Duke and Susan Houston received Staff Achievement awards. Duke is an exceptional team member and “natural problem-solver” who shows grace and skill in her position, making sure that Libraries resources are used wisely and that recruiting and onboarding go smoothly. Houston juggles countless daunting tasks related to building management, and her “practical expertise and deep institutional knowledge” never fail to impress.
Winners of the 2026 Library Excellence Awards
The McGovern Outstanding Staff awardee, Austin Stakes, is recognized for the essential behind-the-scenes contributions that help make the work of UH Libraries possible. Described as a “meticulous and exacting” digital photo technician, he is known for the attention to detail and technical expertise that strengthen every project he supports.
Veronica Arellano Douglas and Kate Carter were honored for Librarian Achievement. Douglas has built an exemplary record of scholarship, service, and leadership while advancing UH Libraries’ mission both on campus and within the profession. She led the development of Teaching and Learning’s Reflection Toolkit, serves on the editorial board of the journal portal: Libraries and the Academy, and is a facilitator for ACRL Immersion.
Carter advances the Libraries’ mission through her work in open educational resources. She has taken on important leadership roles in the profession, and contributes to the field through scholarship, including a recent book chapter exploring the work of OER librarians. As chair of the Libraries Research and Scholarship Travel Committee, she leads improvements to application processes and documentation to better support students and future committee work.
Jennifer Holland is the McGovern Outstanding Librarian. “Supportive and dedicated,” Holland made various valuable contributions in 2025, such as participating in the Texas Library Association 2026 planning committee and the National Forum on Privacy Literacy Standards and Competencies at Penn State. She also became a co-convener of the American Library Association’s privacy literacy discussion group, co-presented with a colleague on library resources and research strategies for the Houston Early Research Experience program, and serves as chair for the Library Excellence Awards committee.
This year’s Outstanding Group is the Subscription Accounts Management team, Susan Ryan and Jeannie Pham. Their “tenacity, attention to detail, and insistence on accuracy,” along with their ability to respond quickly to unexpected challenges, were critical to the project’s success. Working collaboratively with colleagues and vendor partners, they navigated numerous billing and subscription management challenges while building strong, high-trust relationships with new partners. Their teamwork and persistence ensured continuity of access to UH Libraries’ print and electronic collections and demonstrated excellent stewardship of these important resources.
The Trailblazer Award for Leading Organizational Change went to collaborators Keith Komos, Frederick Young, and Selina Khan, who navigated the complexities of a shared library system with exceptional creativity and persistence. The group brought together partners from UH Libraries, university IT, and faculty across the UH system to meet an ambitious implementation timeline. Their technical expertise, programmatic leadership, and commitment to collaboration helped establish new relationships and set a standard for effective cross-campus teamwork.
Members of the Library Excellence Awards Committee are Jennifer Holland, Sarah Barber, Susan Hoover, Eric Larsen, Yesenia Umana, Duong Pham, and Marian Smith; and ex officio members Jamie Duke and Santi Thompson.
Members of the Employee Engagement Committee who contributed to the development of the theme and celebration are Armin Lopez, Susan Ryan, Ann Blosser, Molly Knapp, and Quoc Phung.
Jessica Rodriguez and Larry Schmidt provided logistics support for the space and committees. Kyle Boberg provided photography.
Important Notice: Bicycles and Scooters Prohibited in MD Anderson Library
To support a safe and accessible environment for all Library visitors, bicycles and electric scooters are no longer permitted inside the MD Anderson Library, effective April 6, 2026. As stated in MAPP 09.04.02, bicycles and scooters are not allowed inside buildings; and reckless or negligent operation of all bicycles and scooters (motorized or otherwise) on any part of campus is prohibited.
This change is being implemented to:
- Reduce safety hazards in high‑traffic areas
- Prevent damage to Library facilities
- Ensure clear walkways and emergency access routes for all visitors
What this means for you:
Bicycles and electric scooters may not be brought, ridden, charged, or stored anywhere inside the Library. Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are encouraged to secure or park bicycles and scooters at designated outdoor racks before entering.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our shared spaces safe, welcoming, and conducive to study and research. If you need accommodations related to mobility, please contact the Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and accessible environment for everyone.
Exhibit: “Outside/Inside: Immigration, Migration, and Health Care in the United States”, running August 26th through October 4th, 2025.
Quarantine inspectors checking children for vaccination marks, photograph by Black-Baker Photographers for U.S. Public Health Service, 1965
Courtesy of U.S. National Library of Medicine
On display at the Medical Library, from August 26th through October 4th, 2025, are six banners telling the story of immigration health in the United States. As the National Library of Medicine says, “Germs do not have a nationality,” yet throughout our history so many decisions regarding people’s health have surrounded the question: “Where are you from?”
Between 1890 and 1924, roughly twenty million people immigrated to the United States. It wasn’t until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that real progress was made toward equitable medical care for immigrant communities.
This exhibit will take you through the beginnings of immigration health and highlight key figures who worked toward making health care inclusive to all. This includes a German-Jewish nurse and reformer Lillian Wald who established the Henry Street Visiting Nurse Service in the world’s largest immigrant neighborhood in 1893. Her work would help lead other members of the immigrant communities to take their health care into their own hands and open hospitals and clinics to push back against health care discrimination.
New Health Sciences Librarian
Jose-Luis Quintero
University of Houston Libraries is pleased to welcome Jose-Luis Quintero as the new health sciences librarian supporting the Gessner College of Nursing and Graduate College of Social Work.
Please describe your role. How does your work align with the student success and research productivity focus of the University?
My role is centered on supporting student success and enhancing research productivity. I provide specialized research assistance, tailored library instruction, and access to relevant resources to help students and faculty excel in their academic and research endeavors.
My work directly contributes to the University’s mission by empowering students with the tools and skills they need to succeed academically and by supporting faculty in their research efforts, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in nursing and social work.
Please share a bit about your background and professional interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach as a librarian?
I hold a bachelor’s degree in history from University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University. My academic background in history has instilled in me a deep appreciation for research, critical analysis, and the importance of diverse perspectives. This foundation informs my approach as a librarian, where I emphasize the value of thorough research and evidence-based information.
Professionally, I am passionate about supporting students and faculty in their academic journeys, particularly in the health sciences. My interests lie in promoting information literacy, ensuring access to resources, and fostering a supportive learning environment. These interests inspire me to be a proactive and engaged librarian, always seeking to empower others with the skills and resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. My approach is collaborative, student-centered, and focused on enhancing both educational and research outcomes in the fields of nursing and social work.
What are one or two things you’d like students and faculty to know about engaging with health sciences resources?
One of the key things I want students and faculty to know is the importance of utilizing evidence-based resources in their research and practice. Health sciences information is constantly evolving, and accessing reliable, up-to-date resources is crucial for making informed decisions, whether in academic work or clinical settings. I’m here to guide you through this process, helping you find and evaluate the best resources for your needs.
Additionally, I want to emphasize that the library offers a wealth of specialized tools and databases that can significantly enhance your research efficiency and depth. Whether you need assistance navigating complex databases, managing citations, or understanding systematic review methodologies, I’m available to provide support and training to ensure you can fully leverage these resources. Engaging with the library early and often can make a substantial difference in your academic and professional success.
MD Anderson Library Service Desk Hours
University of Houston Libraries welcomes new and returning Coogs for the start of a spirited fall 2024 semester. This academic year, effective Monday, August 19, MD Anderson Library will offer new Service Desk hours. The new schedule is:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m.
The new hours pertain only to the Service Desk on MD Anderson Library floor 1. Building hours will remain the same as in previous semesters.
During times when MD Anderson Library is open and the Service Desk is closed, Coogs have the following self-service options:
- Self-checkout machines on MD Anderson Library floor 1, located across from the Service Desk, enable users to check out books. The self-checkout machines require an active Cougar Card to borrow books.
- Group study rooms in the Red and Brown wings on floors 3, 4, and 5 are open on a first-come-first-served basis. No reservation or room keys are required to use these rooms during hours when the Service Desk is closed.
- Individual study carrels in the Blue wing on floors 3, 5, and 6 and in the Brown wing on floors 2 – 5 are open on a first-come-first-served basis. No reservation or carrel keys are required to use these carrels during hours when the Service Desk is closed.
- Printing, scanning, and copying options are available for those with active Cougar Cards.
Hours of operation for special libraries and service points are as follows:
Special Collections
Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Digital Research Commons
Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Architecture, Design, and Art Library
*Re-opening on Monday, August 26* Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Health Sciences Library
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Medical Library
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (staffed); the space is open 24 hours for medical students
Music Library
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact us.