Syracuse University Libraries honored two outstanding staff members, Tarida Anantachai and Suzanne Preate, with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award at its annual “State of the Libraries” meeting, held virtually on Dec. 1.
The award is a 30-year tradition that recognizes Libraries’ staff members who have made significant contributions to the Libraries and to the Syracuse University community. A cross-departmental panel of Libraries’ staff judges nomination entries and typically selects one deserving member based on the criteria of dependability, flexibility, quality of work, dedication and collegiality. This year the committee selected two winners.
Tarida Anantachai and Suzanne Preate
The Distinguished Service Award began as a way for Libraries’ staff members to recognize one of their peers. Nominations are open to all Libraries employees and include a recommendation from the person’s supervisor as well as at least two members of the University community.
Tarida Anantachai was appointed interim head of the Department of Learning and Academic Engagement amid the pandemic. She has been a formidable, steady and transformative leader at the helm of the Libraries’ public-facing services, ensuring continuity of resources while protecting the well-being of staff and users. Coworkers describe Anantachai as resourceful, thoughtful, attentive, generous, supportive, caring and a dedicated librarian. Her commitment to Libraries is deeply reflected in her support of students, and she is always striving to create experiences that will be meaningful and motivational for student learners.
Anantachai has volunteered to serve as an advisor for new student organizations, played a pivotal role in fostering success of international students through the English Language Institute and consistently creates interactive, safe and informative spaces within the Libraries through displays, events and outreach. This includes her extensive work in diversity and inclusion initiatives, leading the charge for programs like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and working closely with campus partners like the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the LGBT Resource Center. Her other leadership activities include currently serving as co-chair of the Libraries’ Diversity and Inclusion Team and as a fellow in the Association of Research Libraries Leadership and Career Development Program. She previously participated in programs such as the Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians and the American Library Association Emerging Leaders Program.
Suzanne Preate is the digital initiatives librarian, a certified Phase One Cultural Heritage Specialist, and has been instrumental in curation of digital content. Her work across the Libraries, demonstrating flexibility, creative thinking and deep technical expertise in digital imaging, captioning and beyond, demonstrates her invaluable role. Coworkers expressed that Preate brings a balance of intelligence, decency, commitment to doing good work, and the best combination of persistence and curiosity.
Highlights of Preate’s outreach and influence include her involvement with the Digital Library Program and Syracuse University Press; co-leading the team that launched SURFACE (Syracuse University’s institutional repository; fostering connections with the Institute of Veterans and Military Families, La Casita Cultural Center and the School of Architecture; serving as chair of the Libraries’ Librarian Promotion Committee; instruction within the School of Information Studies; and dedication to the creation of accessibility initiatives and processes both within the Libraries and across campus.
Preate has served the profession in a variety of roles with the American Library Association, Digital Library Federation, Eastern New York Association of College and Research Libraries, and on the executive board of Beta Phi Mu, Pi Lambda Sigma chapter. She led the Libraries’ participation in the creation of the first City of Syracuse community-driven virtual Black history museum collection, titled Our Stories, where she worked directly with residents of Syracuse in digitizing and preserving photographs.
