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CHICAGO - Ron Charles, Editor of "Book World"at the Washington Post was selected as the 2018 winner for the for excellence in reviewing administered by the Collection Development and Evaluation Section of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).

The book sections of our national newspapers serve as an important source of reviews for librarians and shape the larger literary discussion in which librarians and readers participate. A review by Ron Charles can spike interest in a title and bring readers into the library. His reviews are highly readable, smart, and timely. He connects books to the current cultural moment and to past literary history, broadening the conversation readers may have with a book and deepening their experience, even helping them appreciate it in new ways. Through his "Totally Hip Video Book Review" series he reaches an even wider audience and offers clever and accessible evaluations that have exposed a new group of readers to the pleasures of a book review.

Personal, informed, and remarkably in tune with the times, Mr. Charles exhibits a deep love for books, authors, and fellow readers. He helps shape the conversations in our libraries and thereby enriches our collections.

The selection committee includes: Neal Wyatt (Co-Chair), Julie Ann Murphy (Co-Chair), Dena Heilik, Edward Kownslar and Lucy M. Lockley.

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the 91´«Ã½, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers’ advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Learn more about the association at .