Gerald Holmes named 2014 Achievement in Library Diversity Honoree by the American Library Association

Mr. Gerald Holmes, Reference Librarian and Diversity Coordinator, University Libraries, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), has been named the 2014 Achievement in Library Diversity Research Honoree. As part of its ongoing support of the propagation of library-based diversity research, the ALA Council Committee on Diversity and the ALA Office for Diversity are pleased to recognize Mr. Holmes for his contributions to the profession and his promotion of diversity within it. The Office for Diversity began designating this honor in 2004.

Mr. Holmes’ career has focused on the development of early career librarians, and through that work he has consistently encouraged individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to choose the library profession. He serves as a mentor for many in the profession, and is sought after for guidance on diversity issues. In his role as Diversity Coordinator, he works directly with Library Administration on university priorities, grants, fund raising and campus priorities regarding diversity issues and resources. A part of his role also includes working to develop internal library training opportunities to highlight culture and needs of diverse populations that the Libraries serve on campus. Mr. Holmes has been a co-Principle Investigator with several other area librarians and faculty members of the UNCG Library and Information Studies (LIS) program to apply for and receive IMLS grants that have funded scholarships for the Academic Cultural Enhancement (ACE) Scholars. These cohorts were directed at increasing the presence of underrepresented populations into librarianship.  While at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Mr. Holmes has been very involved in diversity focused work including serving on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; chairing the University Libraries Diversity Committee; and creating and coordinating a Post MLS Diversity Residency Program, now with its fourth resident. He also has represented the Libraries on the UNCG Race and Gender Institute Planning Committee. 

Gerald Holmes and wife Sharon at
ALA awards ceremony

Mr. Holmes assisted in creating the ACRL Residency Interest Group and he provided guidance to the leadership of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill SILS Alumni Inclusion and Diversity Committee.  Additionally, he has served in leadership positions as a member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association  (Executive Board), as Chair of the Round Table for Ethnic Minority Concerns and member of the Executive Board for the North Carolina Library Association, and as Chair of the ACRL African-American Librarians Section. 

Mr. Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Master of Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Holmes will be recognized as the Achievement in Library Diversity Research Honoree at the 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Chicago. He will receive the honor and offer remarks during the Diversity Research Update on Sunday, January 31 from 3-4 p.m in room W183c of the McCormick Place Convention Center.

ALA’s Office for Diversity offers thanks to the Diversity Research Grants Advisory Committee for their work in selecting this year’s Honoree: LaVerne Gray (Chair), Eugenia Beh, Rebecca L. Hankins, Sandra M. Hughes-Hassell, Robin L. Kear, Thura Reed Mack, Cristina Dominguez Ramirez, Ingrid Ruffin, and Dr. Eun-Young Yoo Lee. For more information on the Achievement in Library Diversity Research award and the Diversity Research Grants Program, please visit www.ala.org/diversity.