91´«Ã½

Mr. Larry Romans, Head of Government Information Services at Vanderbilt University, is the 2008 recipient of the James Bennett Childs Award. This award is a tribute to an individual who has made a lifetime and significant contribution to the field of government documents librarianship.

Larry Romans contributions to the Government Documents Roundtable have been longstanding and exemplary, serving as GODORT Chair, Program Committee Chair, GITCO Chair, Education Committee Chair, and Federal Documents Task Force Coordinator, as well serving on the Budget, Legislation, Nominating, and Publications Committees. In each of these positions Mr. Romans has not only defended the public's right to government information, he has done so in a manner that has inspired countless others by his warmth, inclusiveness, dedication, and courage.

Perhaps no member of GODORT has brought government information to the forefront of 91´«Ã½ like Mr. Romans. For years, a concern of the GODORT membership was lack of representation on 91´«Ã½ Council. As a result of Larry’s efforts, GODORT and other round tables have their own councilors. His service on Council is especially notable for his work in political advocacy. As chair of 91´«Ã½’s Committee on Legislation, Larry placed emphasis on grassroots initiatives, working within 91´«Ã½ and state associations on joint efforts. His election to the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board attests to his stature as a national leader and will serve as a platform from which he will ensure government information issues are addressed.

Two of Larry’s notable achievements are the GODORT Handout Exchange and the Frequently Used Sites Related to U.S. Federal Government Information. The Handout Exchange, a collection of documents guides from across the country, has been a godsend to librarians seeking information on government-related subjects. As one librarian writes, “the handout exchange was a brilliant idea that not only encouraged librarians to share information but developed a strong community spirit within GODORT.” The Frequently Used Sites Related to U.S. Federal Government Information is one of the best and most comprehensive government information sites on the Internet, helping librarians identify key government resources. These two projects embody Larry’s spirit of cooperation and desire to assist librarians with their everyday work.

If there is one quality that exemplifies Mr. Roman’s leadership, it is his mentoring and support of other librarians. Larry’s award nomination was filled with moving personal testimonies from colleagues whom Larry has helped, guided, supported and encouraged over the years, many of whom have gone on to positions of national leadership due to his efforts. To quote one member “I first encountered Larry, when he was Education Committee chair, and I was no one. He asked me a few questions, like my name and where I worked. That was it; after that he treated me like he had known me forever.” Another librarian writes “I have found Larry to be one of the most courageous librarians I have ever known, standing firm for his convictions, often in the face of strong opposition.” Characteristics such as these: courage, integrity, inclusiveness, and dedication to the profession make Mr. Romans an example to us all and a truly deserving recipient of GODORT’s highest award.