Wright State librarian Sue Polanka wins Ohio academic library award for distinguished service

Sue Polanka is the associate university librarian for public services at Wright State.

Wright State librarian Sue Polanka was honored by her peers for her contributions to the university and with academic libraries in Ohio.

Polanka, the associate university librarian for public services, received the Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award from the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) at its annual conference on Oct. 27 in Columbus.

The award recognizes an individual who has promoted academic libraries and librarianship around Ohio and who has provided leadership in the promotion of the association through service, including committee membership, executive board office or interest group office.

“With experience in both public and academic libraries, Sue is the ideal person to receive the Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award,” said Sheila Shellabarger, university librarian at Wright State. “In addition to her statewide service to OhioLINK and ALAO, she has also spoken about libraries throughout the U.S. and in numerous countries around the world, including France, Russia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Malaysia. Her award-winning blog, No Shelf Required, has informed many about the issues and challenges of e-books in libraries.”

Polanka, who served as president of the association in 2012–13, said she was honored to be recognized by her peers for her contributions to librarianship in Ohio.

“No one wins these awards alone. I couldn’t have accomplished all I have without the support of my colleagues at Wright State and so many talented librarians across Ohio and beyond,” she said. “The experience and friendships I have gained by working with ALAO have helped me develop as a librarian, a leader and an individual.”

In addition to her tenure as president, Polanka has served as the association’s vice president, board member and on conference planning committees. She has also served on the OhioLINK User Services Committee and the American Library Association Council.

At Wright State, Polanka is responsible for administering the University Libraries‘ public services, including research and instruction, circulation and Interlibrary Loan, and the Student Technology Assistance Center. She also develops, directs and promotes University Libraries’ projects and initiatives that serve the needs of library users and staff.

An expert in e-books, Polanka founded the No Shelf Required blog, which focuses on digital content and books and was voted the top academic library blog in the Salem Press Blog Awards. She is the editor of several books and publications on e-books including “No Shelf Required: E-books in Libraries,” “No Shelf Required II: The Use and Management of Electronic Books” and “E-Content in Libraries: Marketplace Perspectives.” She was also a columnist for EBook Buzz in Online Magazine and Off The Shelf in Booklist. She was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2011.

Polanka earned a Master of Library Science from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Dayton. In 2013, she received the Kent State Library and Information Science Alumnus of the Year Award.

The Academic Library Association of Ohio develops, promotes and improves library and information services in Ohio’s colleges and universities. The association has more than 300 members, representing more than 100 libraries, organizations and businesses in Ohio. It provides support and continuing education opportunities for academic library staff from all over Ohio through workshops, an annual conference and other programs.