At 9 a.m. on Friday, May 26, the library staff called Barbara Crossman to the auditorium, where she found a table of refreshments set. Waiting were her husband, the mayor, members of the city staff, and representatives of Friends. The staff then revealed that Barbara Crossman has been selected by the Northeast Texas Library System to receive its Lifetime Achievement Award - an award for which, unknown to her, the staff had nominated her. Following are remarks made by David Emprimo on behalf of the staff:

Every year, the Northeast Texas Library System gives out awards for special achievement in the field of library science. It is my honor and privilege to announce that the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award is Barbara Crossman.

Mrs. Crossman has served the Jacksonville Public Library and the City of Jacksonville for over 24 years in a variety of positions. From part-time employee to library director, she has shown a desire to further the mission of the library and its place in the lives of those in our community. To this end, she has actively sought grants and outside funding to ensure that our library keeps pace with the changing times, from new advances in technology to making the library more accessible for those with disabilities. She has endeared herself to the staff members whom she supervises, becoming a friend and confidant to them as well as a much-loved and respected boss.

Mrs. Crossman has made it a point to ensure that the library is accessible to all. It is through her hard work and determination that the library has added automatic doors to ensure that those with disabilities can get in and out of our building with ease. She has obtained a low-vision reader for patrons with poor or failing eyesight. She keeps our collections of books on tape current to ensure that these patrons (as well as those who spend a lot of time away from home) can stay informed and entertained. We have a substantial video collection, incorporating not only a wide variety of entertainment titles, but instructional and educational tapes as well.

Through Mrs. Crossman's efforts, the library obtained funding to implement an automation system with search terminals, new stand-alone computer systems, and Internet workstations for both staff and public use. Since the implementation of this technology, library use has increased considerably, bringing in new patrons and introducing people from outside our community to what we have to offer.

Mrs. Crossman was the guiding force behind bringing the Internet to our library, as well as bringing our library to the Internet. At her request, the library's first web site was set up three years ago. It is now a permanent presence, not only allowing patrons to access information about the library itself, but offering access to the library catalog and leading them to local information and history. As we have discovered from e-mail we have received, the web site attracts visitors from around the world, thus expanding the mission of our library to serve not just those in our local area, but those of every nation.

One could not ask for a better, more understanding person as a boss and a friend. Mrs. Crossman makes herself available to all staff members, both during and outside normal library operating hours. Those who work with her have come to know her as both a friend and a teacher. She offers her services and knowledge freely and, in return, is just as willing and eager to learn from others.

Mrs. Crossman will receive her Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual NETLS membership meeting on June 14, 2000. As none of the other staff members will be able to attend, we wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Crossman on her achievement, as well as formally give our thanks to her for a job well done. Mrs. Crossman, would you please come forward?

This certificate is from the staff to honor your achievements and sacrifices over the past 24 years. We thank you for setting to example that we all should strive to follow in our jobs here. We give this to you in thanks for your years of service and in the hope of many more years to come.