Troy Library Director Russ Honored by Wayne State University

The following information was provided in a press release.

Troy Public Library Director Cathy Russ was honored by the Wayne State University School of Library and Information Science at its annual recognition ceremony April 16.

Russ, an adjunct professor of library administration and management in the Wayne State graduate program, received a master of library and information science from the school.

The school's distinguished alumna award is given annually to a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to the library and information science field, a person who has achieved distinction in the profession based on job performance, service, publications or other relevant professional activity.

In 2010 and 2011, Russ confronted a challenge faced by few professional librarians: directing the closing of a community library. During this time, Russ demonstrated great flexibility and compassion while dealing with two failed millage campaigns, a 50 percent reduction in the Library's budget, and a layoff of 35 staff members.

She found creative ways to keep the Library operating during this crisis, and offered her staff a dynamic picture of what leadership should look like. She was recognized for this in 2011 by the Michigan Library Association, which presented her with its Loleta D. Fyan Award.

"I am so humbled and deeply honored to have received this award from Wayne State," said Russ, who has worked for six years as the library director. "It has been my honor and privilege to work in one of the state's best libraries with the best employees and also serving such dedicated and wonderful library patrons.” 

Letters from Russ's current and former employees, colleagues, and students she has taught at Wayne State which were submitted with her nomination spoke to her influence to libraries in the region and her astute professionalism.

"Cathy provides constant communication and professional leadership in all situations. She promotes staff development and advocates for growing the next generation of librarians," said Philip Kwik, Assistant Troy Library Director.

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