Emily Ellis (MLS ’07), a graduate from the IUPUI campus, joins an ever-growing group of SLIS alumni named “Movers and Shakers” by Library Journal. Since 2001, the journal has created a list of library and information professionals worthy of being recognized for their contributions to the field. Fifteen SLIS alumni have been named “Movers & Shakers” in previous years.

On the 2012 Movers & Shakers announcement page, Francine Fialkoff, Editor-in-Chief, Library Journal wrote:

“For 11 years now, LJ’s Movers & Shakers has been spotlighting librarians and others in the library field who are doing extraordinary work to serve their users and to move libraries of all types and library services forward. They hail from all corners of the library world. They’ve been nominated by their colleagues, friends, bosses, and just plain admirers. We know there are many more Movers out there, making libraries better and taking them into the future. This year’s group of 53 brings the Movers cohort to over 550. We’re proud to recognize their achievements–and to encourage you to be inspired by their vision and optimism and turn their ideas into fodder for your own innovative work.”

The Movers & Shakers are divided into six categories: community builders, innovators, advocates, recession busters, change agents, and tech leaders. Emily was placed into the community builders category, for her work as Head of Reference and Teen Services at Greenwood Public Library in Greenwood, IN.

From Library Journal (March 13, 2012):

"When it comes to teen services, Emily Ellis thinks big. In just three years at Greenwood Public Library, she increased program attendance by more than 133 percent, anchored by successes like the teen film festival, a collaborative effort with the local high school media specialist. Now in its third year and having spread countywide, the event is the culmination of a program that includes storyboarding and video-editing classes, plus access to cameras and other equipment. Big indeed, as 373 people attended in 2009– and 768 in 2010."

“Her relational, goofy style and excellent programs are what keeps them coming back,” says assistant director Cheryl Dobbs. “She relates very well to teens who never seem to want to leave her office.”

Posted April 05, 2012