LITA NEWS

For Immediate Release, May 2003

For more information contact:

Mary Taylor, 312-280-4267

mtaylor@ala.org

LITA/Endeavor Student Writing Award Winner Announced

Joyce Friedlander, currently enrolled in the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, has been named the winner of the 2003 LITA/Endeavor Student Writing Award, sponsored by Endeavor Information Systems, Inc. and the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), a division of the American Library Association.

The LITA/Endeavor Student Writing Award recognizes outstanding writing on a topic in the area of libraries and information technology by a student or students enrolled in an ALA-accredited library and information studies graduate program. The winning manuscript will be published in Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL), and the winner receives $1,000 and a certificate of merit.

"Technology opens the door of opportunity for today's library staff to provide the top level service that their users need," said Roland Dietz, Endeavor President and CEO. "Endeavor Information Systems is proud to partner with LITA for this award that recognizes the potential in today's library students."

Joyce Friedlander’s paper, "A Review of the Unified Medical Language System" examines the history and use of the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) knowledge sources and software products available through the National Library of Medicine, which have been under continuous development since 1986.  Her research is clearly presented on a timely and useful topic that is highly relevant to libraries and related information technology used by libraries. Publication of her paper will contribute to the education of the library profession.

“On behalf of the LITA/Endeavor Student Writing Award Committee, I am very pleased to recognize Joyce's thorough research and exceptional manuscript with this award,” said Jane Mandelbaum, chair of the award committee.

The award will be presented at the LITA President's Program on Monday, June 23, 2003 at the ALA Annual Conference in Toronto.