Employee Excellence
in Service Award

For Tania Bardyn, working in the Briscoe Library means much more than just working with books, journals and computers. It's all about people.

"I really enjoy helping faculty, students and staff find health-related information," said Bardyn, access services librarian. "In the five years that I've been with the Health Science Center, I've seen many students come through these doors and go on to graduate. It's very rewarding to know that I had a part in helping them succeed."

Bardyn oversees 15 full- and part-time employees who are critical in keeping the library staffed and available to faculty and students 110 hours every week.

Evelyn Olivier, deputy library director and Bardyn's immediate supervisor, said Bardyn is always looking for creative ways to improve service.

"Tania helped redesign the library's new student orientation program to highlight the library's service points," Olivier said. "She also developed the library's first unique screensaver, which runs on the library's public computers and on the computers in the library's computer center."

A modest Bardyn said she was surprised and honored to learn that she was chosen to receive an Employee Excellence in Service Award.

"I don't feel like I do anything out of the ordinary," Bardyn said. "The Health Science Center is a great place to work because the people encourage innovation. They allow you to grow and to do new things. I enjoy being a part of a library that is central to meeting the needs of the Health Science Center and the community."

Bardyn demonstrated her sense of collaboration and teamwork when she co-chaired the "EXPO 2001: e-University: A New Frontier at the UTHSC" in February. The event was co-sponsored by the information management and services departments and the Briscoe Library. Bardyn organized committees; recruited exhibitors, speakers and volunteers; and solicited donations to fund the event.

"Much of the success of the EXPO was due to Tania's tireless efforts and her attention to detail," said Dr. Virginia Bowden, library director. "Although she works for the library, Tania always steps outside of her domain and looks at the big picture. She sees herself as an employee of the Health Science Center as a whole. Her outstanding work reflects the pride and concern for the entire university and its people."

Return to Service Awards