Member A-LIRT: Diana D. Shonrock
It is her laughter that draws you to her. She is quick to smile, has a gleam in her eye, and pulls you toward her with her passion for libraries. Diana D. Shonrock, a dedicated LIRT member, has served the LIRT organization in a variety of roles. Her name is immediately recognizable as the past secretary of LIRT, elected to this post for the 1996-1997 term. She has served as both chair and as a member of the Research Committee (1991-1995), as a member of the Organization and Bylaws Committee, (1995-97), the Public Relations/Membership Committee, (1987-1991), and is currently serving as a member of the LIRT Long-Range Planning Committee (1997-1999). Her work for LIRT is matched by her work for the ACRL Instruction Section where her "roll up the sleeves and let's get started" approach is fondly remembered. Her appointment as Chair of the RUSA Management of User Services Research and Statistics Committee represents both her long standing commitment to research and the breadth of her interest in library users.
Her involvement with libraries at the national level is matched by her work at Iowa State University. Diana holds an MLS from the University of Iowa, an MS in Family Environment-Housing, and a BS in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University. Diana was appointed the Acting Head, Social Sciences and Humanities Department, at Parks Library, Iowa State University in 1997. Prior to this appointment, she served from 1992-1997 as the Coordinator of the General Reference Section. Her responsibilities, which include supervision of professional librarians, paraprofessional staff and students, along with the day to day operation of the department, provides Diana with the opportunity to put training, instruction, and technology into one customer service package.
Diana is no stranger elsewhere on the Iowa State campus. She brings the library's presence and her professional skills to her university involvement. Diana is currently serving as the Chair of the Carver Grant Task Force. Her leadership on this committee blends Diana's interest in instruction, technology, and people. This is just one of the many university and library committees on which Diana serves.
Many LIRT members know Diana for her role
as editor of Evaluating Library Instruction: Sample Questions, Forms,
and Strategies
for Practical Use (Chicago:
ALA Editions, 1996). This work embodies Diana's strengths: her ability
to get the best from people, to lead a talented team while encouraging
individuality of style, her attention to detail and the breadth of her
knowledge and experience. Diana, like many LIRT members, is first
a librarian who believes in the role of the librarian. Bringing people
and information together in a variety of settings is a priority for Diana.
In every action undertaken, Diana brings out the best of herself and of
our profession. In her laughter, you will find a dedicated, first-rate
library professional.
Marcia King-Blandford is Reference Librarian at the The University of Toledo's Carlson Library.