Oklahoma Department of Libraries Named 2009 Federal Depository Library of the Year

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) was named the 2009 Federal Depository Library of the Year at the Fall Federal Depository Library Conference and Depository Library Council meeting in Arlington, Virginia. Public Printer Robert C. Tapella presented the award to ODL’s Steve Beleu and Cliff Broadworth on behalf of the U.S. Government Printing Office and the Federal Depository Library Program.

“The Oklahoma Department of Libraries should be commended for their efforts in providing training, education and awareness to Government information resources and how to use them,” said Public Printer Bob Tapella. “Federal depository libraries have provided openness to the documents of our democracy since the early 1800s and are a vital link between the Government and its citizens.”

"It's quite an honor to receive this award, and it's a tribute to Steve Beleu and Cliff Broadworth in our U.S. Government Information Division," said Susan McVey, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. "Since 2003, the division has delivered nearly 200 library workshops to the people of Oklahoma, with occasional sessions in neighboring states. The division also tailors the workshops to highlight federal information relevant to particular communities, and that can make a big difference since it's all about connecting citizens with their government and its services."

ODL provides Federal Government information to people throughout the entire state of Oklahoma. As one of two regional libraries in Oklahoma, they are proactive and supportive of the libraries they serve in the state, providing excellent service, training and on-site visitations. Officials at ODL have conducted workshops for library staff in all types of libraries in the state by teaching them how to provide their patrons with access to Federal Government information resources. In addition, ODL works with staff from Federal agencies to provide librarians with the latest information from agency Web sites and databases. Recently, ODL conducted a workshop for new employees in the U.S. Census offices throughout Oklahoma regarding information about U.S. Census.