May 23-24, 2002

ITEM 115-2002-R0502   Authorization to Confer the Title of Professor Emeritus of Librarianship upon Kathryn Kaya; Montana State University-Bozeman

 

THAT:   Kathryn Kaya, Assistant Professor of Librarianship, in her 20 years of dedicated service to Montana State University, merits the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned the title of Professor of Librarianship Emeritus.

 

EXPLANATION:  Prof. Kathryn Kaya received her B.A. degree from Utah State University in 1967; her M.A. from the University of Wisconsin in 1971; and her M.L.S. from the University of Hawaii in 1979. She became a Reference Librarian at Montana State University in 1982 and has served in exemplary manner in that capacity until her retirement in July 2002.

During her years of service at the MSU Libraries, Prof. Kaya committed herself to providing quality reference services and instruction to students and scholars. She was acknowledged throughout Montana, the region, and nationally for her expertise in the health sciences, art, architecture and Native American studies. She has been instrumental in building the health sciences information infrastructure throughout Montana. She successfully developed collaborative relationships with the faculty in those disciplines and an open and edifying relationship with their students. Indeed, her collaborative work with faculty throughout the university has contributed significantly to a change in attitude and level of support for the MSU Libraries.

Prof. Kaya has been successful in developing the Tribal College Librarians Professional Development Institute, now in its ninth year. The institute is nationally recognized, drawing librarians to participate from around the country as well as international representation. Participants in the institute have profited from instruction in basic library skills and principles as well as learning about cutting edge technological applications. A major advantage has been the opportunity to network with colleagues who share a unique working environment and position. Extending beyond their libraries and colleges, the institute's participants have taken what they have learned and contributed to their tribal communities as well. Prof. Kaya has almost single-handedly brought tribal college librarianship to the fore as a point of national professional focus.