TALLAHASSEE (March 31, 2012) — The American Library Association’s (ALA) New Members Roundtable announced that The Florida State University ALA Student Chapter is the recipient of its 2012 Student Chapter of the Year Award.

The annual award is presented to one of the 57 national chapters in recognition of outstanding contributions to the American Library Association, to the chapter’s school and to the library and information studies profession. The purpose of the award is to increase involvement in student chapters of the ALA and to recognize future leaders in the profession.

“We are very proud of our chapter and its officers, who have consistently risen to the challenge of reaching the majority of our students, who are taking their classes online and at a distance,” said Dr. Christie Koontz, the chapter’s faculty advisor. “Three years ago our chapter began webcasting its meetings with the support of our college.”

The Florida State University (FSU) ALA student chapter is located at its School of Library & Information Studies, one of three school’s comprising the College of Communication & Information, and known for having the university’s largest online program. The School offers its ALA-accredited master’s degree entirely online.

“By consistently engaging our chapter’s local and distance members via our social media outlets and technology, we have fostered a sense of the importance of professional development, the exchange of ideas, social cohesiveness and cooperation with other organizations such as the Beta Phi Mu honor society,” said chapter president, John Hinrichs. “It is a tremendous honor to receive this award on behalf of the distinguished 65-year history of Florida State’s School of Library & Information Studies.”

The FSU-SLIS student chapter will receive a certificate and $1,000 check to help defray travel expenses to the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA, in June. The FSU-SLIS chapter will be recognized there during an awards reception held by the New Members Roundtable.

“It is truly a wonderful feeling to be recognized for all of the great things that our student members, both past and present, have accomplished,” said Allison George, chapter vice president.