Stankus Inducted Into Special Libraries Association Hall of Fame

University Relations

Tony Stankus

The University Libraries' Tony Stankus, health sciences librarian, was inducted into the Special Libraries Association Hall of Fame in a ceremony held July 31.  

The Special Libraries Association is "a nonprofit global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners in business, government, academic and other 'specialized' settings." 

Membership in the SLA Hall of Fame is accorded "to SLA members who are at or near the end of their active professional career to recognize service and contributions to the association. Hall of Fame recognition also is granted for lengthy distinguished service to an SLA chapter or division that has contributed to the success of the association."  

"We hold Tony in high regard," said Adriana Gonzalez, associate dean for research and learning. "He is an accomplished and valued faculty member of our libraries. He quickly builds connections and is always looking to further advance his fellow colleagues, and especially his students." 

Stankus began working for the University Libraries in 2007 and joined the Special Libraries Association in 1975.  

"I got into it very, very heavily once I came to the U of A because the U of A funded my travel so I could go to the conventions, and I could participate more fully," Stankus said. "So I say thank you to the U of A because you made my greater participation possible."  

Stankus has held a variety of leadership positions within the Special Libraries Association, including chair of the Biomedical and Life Sciences section and membership secretary for the Food, Agriculture and Environmental Research section. When SLA turned 100, he polled its members to see which academic journals they considered to be the best — a poll that is still cited by publishers today. For two years, he ran a blog for SLA that garnered more than 25,000 followers. To encourage membership and get new members plugged in, Stankus put together a dinner party raffle whereby new members could meet the fellows.  

During his time with SLA, Stankus has become a Fellow, received a Rose L. Vormelker award and been inducted into the Hall of Fame, completing what members refer to as a "Grand Slam."  

"The U of A helped me make my career," Stankus said. "I am grateful to them and to the students and faculty because they teach me so much."