UCD Library's COVID response celebrated at 2021 UCD Values in Action Awards
Posted 1 December 2021
For ensuring students could complete their studies during the pandemic the UCD Library COVID Response Team have been recognised at the 2021 UCD Values in Action (VIA) Awards.
More than 30 members of the team were named as recipients of the award following the unit's nomination by the (opens in a new window)UCDSU and Lorna Dodd, Associate UCD Library Director.
Working to keep the library open and accessible for UCD students and staff throughout the pandemic, the group's efforts helped ensure all students who needed space to take classes, study, or just need time away from their living situations had a welcoming and safe place to come to.
Recognised for bringing to life the UCD Values of engagement, excellence, and diversity, the team were one of ten awardees chosen for the 2021 Awards.
In a recent UCDSU survey on the Library, multiple students thanked its staff for their hard work throughout COVID, ensuring students always had somewhere to go on campus.
In receiving their award, the UCD Library COVID Response Team were noted for upholding the value UCD places on engagement; for the major role the library played in helping students remain engaged with the University throughout COVID-19; excellence, by continuing to provide excellent service despite the added difficulties of the pandemic; and diversity, by providing a key support for students from all types of backgrounds.
The other worthy recipients of the 2021 UCD VIA Awards were, in no specific order:
- Andrea Forde, UCD Research.
- (opens in a new window)Professor Judith Harford, UCD School of Education.
- Associate Professor Pat Gibbons, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
- (opens in a new window)Dr Cliona Kelly, UCD Sutherland School of Law.
- UCD Student Health Service Team.
- (opens in a new window)Dr Niamh Pattwell, UCD School of English, Drama and Film.
- Mairead Skinner, UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science.
- UCD Safety, Insurance, Operational Risk and Compliance (SIRC) Team.
- (opens in a new window)Associate Professor Hilda Loughran, UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce the recipients of the 2021 UCD VIA awards, which recognise those colleagues, who in the opinion of their peers, have excelled in bringing our values to life, both in response to COVID-19 and elsewhere in the University community,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Andrew J Deeks, UCD President.
Now in their fourth year, the Values in Action (VIA) awards celebrate individuals or teams who through their daily work or volunteering efforts act as ambassadors for UCD and the its shared values of Collegiality, Creativity, Diversity, Engagement, Excellence and Integrity.
The awards were established by the Employee Engagement Network, and for the 2021 awards, 38 submissions nominating 28 individuals or teams were received.
This year's Adjudication Committee was chaired by (opens in a new window)Professor Joe Carthy, UCD Employee Engagement Network; (opens in a new window)Dr Deirdre O’Connor, previous VIA recipient, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science; Elaine Quinn, previous VIA recipient, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research; Rory Carey, Director Culture & Engagement; and Mark Simpson, Culture & Engagement.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer
