The Earl K. Long Library at the University of New Orleans has been named the 2023 Louisiana Library of the Year by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network. The award was presented during a ceremony on Oct. 19 at the LOUIS Users Conference in Baton Rouge.

The Earl K. Long Library earned the award due to its outstanding accomplishments, contributions to the University of New Orleans, and continuous commitment and dedication to the library profession, according to Laurie Blandino, associate commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents and executive director for LOUIS.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for the work we do,” said Lora Amsberryaugier, interim dean of library and information services. “It is especially gratifying to be recognized by our close colleagues and peers. Sometimes we forget what a difference we make to others in our profession and at our university. Receiving this accolade makes our star shine a little brighter.”

LOUIS is a consortium of public and private college and university libraries in the state of Louisiana. The partnership was formed in 1992 by the library deans and directors at these institutions, in order to create a cost-effective collaboration among the institutions for the procurement of library technology and resources. It currently has 47 members. The Earl K. Long Library has been a member since the consortium’s founding. The LOUIS consortium provides access to the Earl K. Long Library’s online library systems and many of its research databases.  

The Earl K. Long Library faculty are contributing members of various LOUIS working groups, including the institutional repository, professional development and strategic planning working groups. University of New Orleans library faculty and staff provide expertise to other consortium members, share insight into their innovative services and programs, and regularly present at the LOUIS Users Conference.