What makes a great library? One that creatively meets the needs of the community? Is a leader in developing model programs that other universities emulate? With staff who form meaningful and productive relationships with faculty and students?

According to these three criteria, the University of Washington Libraries is a great library-in fact, the best in the country. This past January, Libraries Director Betsy Wilson received the exciting news that the University of Washington Libraries was the recipient of the 2004 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, which recognizes the top university research library in the country. This is the highest honor an academic library can receive.

The award is presented by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), an organization comprised of 12,000 members in North America, and funded by Blackwell's Book Services-the venerable international book seller based in London. Awards are given each year for the best university, college and community college library. The Libraries was selected as the winner in the university category.

"The University of Washington Libraries is a dynamic, impressive and collaborative organization," said Mary Reichel, chair of the 2004 Excellence in Academic Libraries Selection Committee. "It truly is leading the way for all academic libraries as the library of the 21st Century."

The award recognizes the entire staff of a university library for programs that deliver exemplary services and resources to further the educational mission of the institution. The Libraries was nominated by its peers, and the selection committee was very impressed by the documentation that President Lee Huntsman submitted on the Libraries behalf.

In his nomination letter to the ACRL Board, President Huntsman said, "It is meaningful innovation that sets the Libraries apart. What distinguishes the staff of the Libraries is its collaborative approach to creating the library of the 21st century. The excellent staff is managing the transition to a highly digital environment while preserving the Libraries traditional strengths. These are achievements in which any university president could be justifiably proud."

The Libraries was selected for its success at developing technological initiatives and leading the academic community in the implementation of new library programs and services. It was lauded for developing exemplary programs, including innovative digital collections and services, information literacy for the University campus, an assessment - centered culture, model strategic planning efforts, and creative staff development and training.

Universities around the country look to the UW Libraries for programs and services to emulate on their own campuses. A continual stream of researchers and visitors from other institutions use the University of Washington Libraries and consult its librarians for their expertise in information literacy, online services, assessment and evaluation, and collaborative innovation.

The Libraries has won widespread national recognition for groundbreaking use of digital technologies in the service of learning and research. An acknowledged leader in assessment, the Libraries has employed a variety of initiatives that align its goals with the University's mission. The Libraries staff development program is a model for the University, and the result is a superlative staff. It should come as no surprise that the recent Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation report singled out the Libraries for excellence.

The Libraries UWired program received special mention from the selection committee. Librarians have led the UWired collaboration that has transformed the University's approach to teaching, learning and technology. In UWired, the Libraries works collaboratively with other campus offices to promote and support effective uses of technology by students and faculty.

Libraries Director Betsy Wilson feels that what makes the Libraries truly great is the staff. "This award goes to the superb librarians, staff and student assistants who dedicate themselves to serving the mission of the University of Washington and connecting people with knowledge for life," said Wilson. "They have earned this award by what they do day-in and day out. It's a very proud day for the UW Libraries and a red-letter day for the University."

The president of ACRL and a Blackwell representative will travel to Seattle to present the award to University President Lee Huntsman in a University-wide ceremony on May 17. Additional details of the event will be announced in the coming months.