Each year the Chinese American Librarians Association confers the CALA Distinguished Service Award to honor and recognize an individual who has distinguished him/herself for providing outstanding service to the profession of librarianship. This year, the winner is Dr. Sha Li Zhang.

Dr. Zhang has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership ability in her 20 years of experience working at several prominent academic libraries. As a library administrator, she has made significant contributions to improve the libraries’ services through the use of emerging technologies, effective workflow, effective staff trainings, system migrations, and development of visionary strategic plan. Dr. Zhang is highly praised and enthusiastically recommended by her Deans and colleagues of the libraries she has worked and is working for.

Dr. Zhang has demonstrated her strong leadership and outstanding service in and beyond CALA. She has worked loyally and enthusiastically in CALA, serving in a number of offices such as Board of Directors, Chair of Publication Committee, Chair of Scholarship Committee, Co-chair of Award Committee, Chair of Constitution and Bylaw Committee, and Chair of International Relation Committee. Dr. Zhang also chaired and served on numerous committees on ALA, ACRL, ALCTS and IRRT. She was elected to the prestigious position as ALA Councilor, and appointed by ALA President to several important committees. Recently, she has obtained IFLA appointment to the Acquisitions representing ALA and the ALCTS. In addition to her national and international level of activism, her services in leadership positions in both regional and state library associations make her a great credit to our profession.

Dr. Zhang has an impressive and distinctive record of scholarship and research. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in C&RL, JAL, LCAT and other highly reputable academic journals. Her publications have brought many new ideas to professional literature. She is also a frequent speaker at regional, national and international conferences and academic institutions.

Dr. Zhang has established herself as a role model for librarians, especially the Chinese-American librarians. She is a competent and vibrant library administrator, researcher, writer, and speaker.