Ira Revels		Karen Rossi

Two graduates of the SIS MLIS program have been featured as "Movers & Shakers" in the March 2006 issue of Library Journal. This special supplement acknowledges the work of librarians throughout the country, explaining how each has contributed greatly to their community and the library profession. SIS is extremely proud to have two alumni recognized for their efforts to better serve their communities.

Karen Rossi, Manager of First Floor Services at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, was featured in this issue for her extraordinary efforts to market this institutional landmark by improving customer service. Rossi, a 2000 graduate of the SIS MLIS program, was tasked with "implementing a new way of providing user-centered public services" when the Carnegie's first floor was renovated. Ms. Rossi's innovations included electronic signs above each information desk, an improved layout with displays, a coffee shop, jargon-free signage, and a space dedicated to use by teens. Ms. Rossi has also led training programs for staff members and encourages them to contribute their ideas on how to update services and facilities to improve customer satisfaction.

Ira Revels, a 2001 graduate of the Library and Information Science degree program at Pitt, is highlighted for her recruitment and professional development efforts to diversify the profession. Revels serves as Project Manager of the HBCU Digital Library Initiative at Cornell University in New York, which trains library staff at HBCUs in building collaborative digital collections. Her activities with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, most particularly the introduction of BCALA's Night Out, are also acknowledged.

"We're thrilled that the contributions of our alumni are being recognized in this national publication," states Dr. Margaret Kimmel, Chair of the Department of Library and Information Science at SIS. "We know that each student who graduates from our program brings their skills and dedication not only to their job, but to the community of librarianship as a whole."