UVa-Wise library director elected president of Virginia Library Association

Robin Benke, director of Library Services and assistant professor of library sciences at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, was recently elected president of the Virginia Library Association (VLA).

Benke will serve as president-elect and vice president this year before serving his term as president of the organization in 2009. The Virginia Library Association is a statewide organization whose purpose is to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to information in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Benke began his career with UVa-Wise in 1978 as a public services/collection development librarian. He assumed his current position in 1988.  In addition, Benke directs a library media program available to students on campus and as a distance education program available to students in Northern Virginia and the Roanoke area.

A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, Benke earned his Master of Library Science degree from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. He later returned to further his education with post-graduate studies in higher education leadership.

Benke is a member of the Beta Phi Mu honor society for library sciences as well as Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society. He is also a member of the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries and the American Association of University Professors. Since 1999, he has been a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), evaluating college libraries as part of the Commission on Colleges.

Benke served as chair of the College and University Section of the VLA in 1996-1997 and as chair of the Library Advisory Committee for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) from 2003-2005.

At UVa-Wise, Benke has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Clinch Valley College Student Government Association Service Award (1985), the Clinch Valley College Outstanding Service Award (1998), the U.Va. Harrison Award for Outstanding Accomplishment and Service (1998), the UVa-Wise Henson Student Life Award for Service to Students (1999) and the UVa-Wise Harrison Award for Outstanding Service (2004). Benke was named the VEMA Media Educator of the Year in 1996 and was named to the Directory of American Scholars in 2001. Most recently, Benke was honored with an inclusion in the 2007 publication of “Who’s Who in America.”

Locally, Benke is a member of the Friends of Wise County Public Library and the Pro-Art Association Board of Directors.

Posted January 18, 2008