Kathryn Callon, a 2011 iSchool Master of Library and Information Science alumna, has been named one of four Special Libraries Association 2016 Rising Stars.
SLA presents its annual Rising Star Awards 鈥渢o acknowledge young professionals forging paths of excellence within SLA and the information profession.鈥 Nominated individuals develop notable workplace innovations, actively participate in SLA units and association programming, and promote SLA鈥檚 visibility and the value of information professionals by executing outstanding work and professional activities on behalf of the association.
Callon has been the sole librarian for the Montana Department of Transportation Library for the past four years, and enjoys the challenge of growing the library鈥檚 usage and enhancing the services offered to her patrons.
鈥淢y favorite part is doing research for the staff on a variety of topics 鈥 anything from contrast striping on pavements to how to prevent beavers from building dams in culverts,鈥 she said.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned that one of the most valuable assets for me and the library I serve is the transportation librarian community. Through the Special Libraries Association鈥檚 Transportation Division, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to connect with so many amazing information professionals, and they鈥檝e come through for me time and time again. It鈥檚 such an honor to receive SLA鈥檚 Rising Star Award; I鈥檝e aspired to it since attending my first SLA conference in 2013. I鈥檝e been inspired not only by MDT鈥檚 engineers, planners, and other wonderful staff but also by my fellow transportation librarians, and I hope to continue to find innovative ways to meet the information needs of the community I am privileged to serve.鈥
The 2016 Rising Stars will be honored during the opening session of SLA鈥檚 Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO, to be held June 12-14 in Philadelphia.
Visit for more information on the Rising Stars program and a full list of honorees.