Interlibrary Loan Supervisor, Research, Instruction, and Scholarly Communication

Nominators write that Eddie exemplifies UAB’s Shared Values through his leadership of the Interlibrary Loan department and his commitment to global resource sharing. Through his work, he helps extend UAB Libraries’ reach far beyond our campus supporting researchers and learners not only nationally, but internationally. His dedication to collaboration and service reflects UAB’s mission to improve the human experience through access to knowledge.

As a supervisor, Eddie consistently supports and encourages the team, fostering a respectful, positive, and motivating work environment. He leads with integrity, kindness, and accountability, making him not only an effective leader but also a wonderful person to work under. His efforts elevate both the work culture and the reputation of UAB Libraries.

Metadata Librarian for Continuing Resources

Sylvia may work behind the scenes, nominators note, but her impact is strongly felt through her kindness and genuine interest in others. She consistently takes the time to ask how people are doing and engages in meaningful conversations, helping create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere within the library.

Her curiosity and knowledge, combined with her warmth, reflect UAB’s commitment to respect, integrity, and community. Sylvia contributes positively to the library’s culture simply by being the thoughtful and caring person she is.

User Access Associate, User Access

Submitters say that Sydney exemplifies the very best of UAB’s shared values through her exceptional work as a User Access Associate, where she consistently pairs efficiency and competence with unwavering kindness, warmth, and compassion.

She goes above and beyond to support both patrons and student assistants, approaching even the most challenging shifts with grace, positivity, and a commitment to keeping operations running smoothly. Sydney celebrates the accomplishments of those around her, whether acknowledging student assistants’ birthdays, academic milestones or small daily successes, creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Her dedication to excellence shines through in every task she undertakes, from training new student assistants to managing projects with professionalism and a smile.

Sydney recently completed her master’s in library science while working full time, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and a strong drive for personal and professional growth. Her friendly, welcoming presence fosters a sense of community within the library, making the space more inviting for patrons and staff alike. Sydney’s compassion, positivity, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable member of the team and a shining example of UAB’s values in action.

Student Assistant, Reynolds-Finley Historical Library

Clay is an exceptional graduate student employee with the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library, where he has served since the summer of 2025 and quickly become an invaluable member of the team, nominators write. Bringing a strong academic background from his graduate studies in English literature, he applies his expertise in paleography, medieval Latin, manuscript materiality, and historical research to greatly advance the library’s understanding of its early printed works.

His signature project — surveying early printed books to locate and identify medieval manuscript fragments used in bindings — has already yielded impressive results, including tracing fragment texts to a medieval lectionary and identifying an incunable fragment from a specific early German Bible printing. Clay’s intellectual curiosity, analytical skill, and commitment to excellence have led to significant breakthroughs, such as his early contribution to editing exhibition text panels for “Health in the Time of Marcel Proust,” where his Writing Center experience helped guide historical collections toward high quality, accessible interpretation.

Interlibrary Loan Assistant, Research, Instruction, and Scholarly Communication

Ramya Sree Pericherla is an exceptionally warm, engaged, and dedicated Interlibrary Loan Student Assistant whose positivity, integrity, and collaborative spirit elevate every environment she enters, nominators write. A graduate student in engineering management aspiring to become a project or operations ,=manager, she supports UAB Libraries with enthusiasm, professionalism, and care — ensuring patrons receive timely, efficient service while fostering a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for colleagues through her kindness, proactive communication, and upbeat morale boosting gestures.

Ramya embodies UAB’s Shared Values through her dependable work ethic, thoughtful problem solving, respect for others, and constant drive for excellence, demonstrated in contributions such as developing workflows to improve shipping efficiency, assisting patrons across library locations, and actively participating in campuswide initiatives including Homecoming, Creed Week, and UAB’s Got Talent.

Deeply committed to personal and professional growth, she has completed numerous trainings — including QPR Suicide Prevention, Peer Health Advocacy, Mental Health First Aid, American Red Cross CPR/BLS, Stop the Bleed, and Suturing Workshops — and serves in roles that advance student well being, such as on the Student Counseling, Health, and Wellness Advisory Board and as parliamentarian in Graduate Student Government.

Beyond her campus impact, Ramya volunteers in the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department and brings a remarkable history of achievement, from being recognized in the India Book of Records for a 3,000 mile high altitude motorcycle expedition to competing at national levels in 10m indoor rifle shooting and earning a black belt in karate.

Widely admired for her character, initiative, leadership, and genuine compassion, Ramya is an invaluable member of the UAB community whose presence will be greatly missed when she graduates.