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| Vol. 17, No. 32 | May 21, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 32 | May 21, 1998 |
Two groups of employees were recognized for excellence and presented the University's 1998 Innovation Award for projects that dramatically change the way things are done at the University.
One group-composed primarily of library employees with assistance from a member of Information Technologies-developed an alternative way for faculty to access scholarly information. The other group, which includes representatives of several departments, has changed the way the University purchases goods and services.
Members of the library team were honored for their efforts to establish the Unmediated Desktop Delivery of Scholarly Information. This approach provides scholarly information to faculty at a time when the cost of subscribing to many journals is prohibitive.
According to President David Roselle, "By working in concert with faculty to identify those journals that would be available using a web-based delivery system, the team has maintained the scholarly opportunities that our faculty members have come to expect from our library and, at the same time, has reduced costs."
In fact, this program that allows University faculty to read a desired article and order it on-line within 24 hours has generated nationwide interest and was mentioned in an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
According to Roselle, "The application of technology to address an emergent institutional need" showed creativity and initiative that produced immediate beneficial results for faculty users.
Members of this team include John R. Brunswick, Susan A. Davi, Mark H. Grabowski, Sandra F. Millard, Nancy R. Nelson, Gregg A. Silvis and Craig A. Wilson, all library, and Bruce R. Raker, Information Technologies, Management Information Services.
The committee involved in developing the Purchasing Card Program was recognized for its innovative approach to the purchase of goods and services. The Purchasing Card enables staff to transact business at the department level and to use the web to review activities and process requisite charges.
According to Roselle, "The program has greatly reduced the time and energies expended centrally in processing purchasing requests.
The Purchasing Card is now an integral part of the administrative operation of the University, yielding measurable savings in staff time and resources. The team effort demonstrated the broad institutional impact that can result when technology is used to simplify administrative activities."
Members of the team include Sandra M. Dean, biological sciences; Scott D. Eatough, intercollegiate athletics; James C. Green, Information Technologies, Management Information Services; Karl D. Hassler, Internal Auditing; Kathryn M. Hutton, agriculture and natural resources; Joann S. Rose, chemistry and biochemistry; Barbara J. Sharkey, assistant treasurer, disbursing; Gail E. Tentor, Facilities Administration; and George S. Walueff, purchasing.
Each of the team members received a $250 award and was recognized at the Service Awards dinner May 14.
Photographs of the members of the two innovative, award-winning teams are on pages 8 and 9.
Photo by Jack Buxbaum
