91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has chosen Brian J. DeFelice of Braintree, Massachusetts as the 2018 Tom and Roberta Drewes Scholarship recipient.

The $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a library support staff worker who is pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science.

DeFelice worked at the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, Massachusetts from 2003 until the end of last year—about fourteen years. In reflecting on his path to library school, DeFelice said, “When I first started working at the library, I did not anticipate being there for very long. I was fresh out of high school and unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. As a student, I only went to the library to get books for my summer reading assignments. I was the least likely candidate to end up working for a library. However, the more time I spent working at the library, the more I began to appreciate it, and very slowly, began to realize that I had much more to offer my community.” Now, years later, after much support and encouragement, and working in a variety of positions at the library, DeFelice said, “I am excited to take the next step in my career and pursue my MLS, so that I may continue to grow and better serve my community.”

One reference stated that, “Brian has given the cliché “rising through the ranks” new meaning. He started at the library as a custodian, and today works as a senior library assistant and acts as the public face of the library’s IT department. Having met him on day one, I have watched him learn practical librarianship from the ground up as he has progressed from one department to another, adding skills and contributing ideas along the way. Brian is an exceptional person who has been a valuable addition to every department for which he has worked. He is a creative problem solver with a rare gift of making the team he is part of greater than the sum of its parts.”

Another reference stated that “Brian personifies “above and beyond. He leads other staff by example with his professionalism and customer service skills. He has everything it takes to be an outstanding public librarian: intelligence, determination, talent, a genuine interest in people, a warm and friendly personality, a strong aptitude and interest in technology, a commitment to excellence, and passion for his work. He is one of our MVPs as a library assistant, and I am delighted that he aspires to earn his MLS.”

DeFelice attends San Jose State University (Calif.).

For information on the 91´«Ã½ Scholarship program, visit our .

The 91´«Ã½ manages the 91´«Ã½ Scholarship Clearinghouse.

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