I was excited to see so many people I know and admire had been recognized this year as Movers and Shakers by Library Journal. Congratulations to everyone, but especially to my peeps: David King, David Rothman, Evette Atkin, Chris Harris, Peter Bromberg and Tim Spaulding, and the folks I’ve admired from afar: Char Booth, Caleb Tucker-Raymond, and Josh Ferraro. A special congrats has to go to my partner-in-crime, Michelle Boulé. I think so much of her that I’m absolutely bursting with pride. Michelle is one of those rare people who is both full of innovative ideas, and is also willing to put in the hard work to make those ideas real. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone so passionate and full of energy. She’s always willing to question the common wisdom and to fight for people in our profession who aren’t as lucky as she is to have support for professional development. I still remember the day that I asked her to be my “wingman” for HigherEd BlogCon; little did I know that it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Congratulations Michelle!!!

Yesterday, I read a really awful post by a health science librarian in Canada who ranted about how people without an MLS don’t deserve to be recognized as Library Journal Movers and Shakers (which was an obvious swipe at a certain Mover and Shaker he likes to refer to as a “non librarian”). He has since removed the post, but I wanted to mention it because I think what is so wonderful about the LJ award is that it goes to people who are moving libraries forward, whether or not they are degreed librarians. Because it’s not all about the librarians — there are so many people who are doing amazing things for libraries. It may be a library worker, a board member, a vendor, or a volunteer. I just think it’s horrible for people to dismiss the contributions of library staff (or folks associated with libraries) without degrees or treat them like they’re less deserving of recognition. Library workers are awesome!!!

I also wanted to recognize a few other folks who I think are moving libraries forward (a few of many who deserve the honor). These are people who have moved and shaken me with their dedication and great work. I’d like to give my own recognition (little as that means) to Sarah Houghton-Jan, Karen Coombs, Chad Boeninger and Paul Pival. I have gained so much knowledge and inspiration from all of you. Thanks for all you’ve given to the profession.

I think people who are recognized as LJ Movers and Shakers should be so proud of what they’ve accomplished. But we should always remember the thousands and thousands of other people doing wonderful work in libraries every day. How can we work to improve recognition of everyday great work in our own libraries? Everyone doing good work in libraries should be allowed to feel this good. 🙂