91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ and SAGE are pleased to announce Avalon A. Ruby of Urbana, Illinois as the recipient of the 2024 Peter Lyman Memorial/SAGE Scholarship in New Media.

Ruby believes that libraries are “focal points for storytelling’s various modes and places for community engagement.” This belief urges Ruby to combine the knowledge gained in her undergraduate program in New Media with experiences from her work with tabletop roleplay gaming to help build and strengthen communities.” Ruby says that “the use of online and adaptive mediums is one of the best tools available to achieve this goal.”

Ruby hopes to incorporate gaming into library work with “a focus on accommodating people with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.” She says that she is “passionate about intentional inclusivity; committed to telling stories and building spaces that can welcome a diverse range of people; and determined to support diverse groups in ways tailored to their needs.” Further, Ruby believes that “the continued expansion of multimedia offerings is integral to the continued prosperity of public libraries.” She is “excited to dedicate her career to the stewardship of these spaces.”

Ruby will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The Peter Lyman Memorial/SAGE Scholarship in New Media was created in memory of Peter Lyman, former university librarian and professor emeritus of the school of information at the University of California, Berkeley. Lyman’s research focused on online information, ethnographic analyses of online social relationships and communities, and bringing university librarians into the digital era. He was one of the first scholars to work with computer companies to design information technology appropriate for research and teaching.

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

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