"Today's Economy:  Doing It Together," by Nancy Ashbrook

"Comic Books:  Superheroes of Special Collections," by Jason Nargis and Benn Joseph

Sally in Libraryland by Sally Decker Smith

My Turn by Diana Brawley Sussman  

In the library profession there are usually a few colleagues that exemplify the profession and offer exceptional support and guidance for others.  John W. Berry is that kind of professional librarian.  His outstanding leadership as a professor, organizational director, innovator, grant seeker, project reviewer, international librarian, writer, and workshop leader has provided evidence of the breath of his ability and interest in serving others.

John's 36-year career in librarianship, spent almost entirely in Illinois, has included work for the University Libraries of Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Chicago and service as the Executive Director for the Library Administration and Management Association of the American Library Association.  He is perhaps best known, however, as the Executive Director of NILRC, the Network of Illinois Learning Resources in Community Colleges where, for almost 15 years, he managed with distinction and dedication a 50-member learning resources consortium of community colleges, colleges, and universities in Illinois and Missouri.  His current role as a professor of librarianship at Dominican University is again another example of his giving nature in support of new librarians.

John served as President of the American Library Association from 2001 to 2002 and advanced the cause of library recruitment as one of his important presidential initiatives.  In April of 2002, he led a national town hall meeting where he gathered library leaders from around the country to address the need of our profession to recruit enough of the best and the brightest to librarianship.

John has always been able to inspire members through his quiet and professional leadership.  He is well spoken and articulate on a wide variety of subjects, especially so as it relates to libraries.

The roster of Illinois Library Luminaries continues to grow with twenty illustrious members, all of whom have been honored with at least $1,000 in contributions to the ILA Endowment.  This campaign to honor Illinois library leaders and build the ILA Endowment began in 2008 and has now raised more than $30,000 in contributions.  Please visit the ILA Web site for more information on how to submit a nomination or add your contributions to current twenty honorees.  Many thanks to all the generous donors to date!