Tandi Valdez Receives UW Libraries Outstanding Staff Award

Tandi Valdez, a senior library assistant, is the recipient of the University of Wyoming Libraries Outstanding Staff Award for her contributions in 2023.

The Outstanding Staff Award, funded by the McMurry-Spieles Excellence Fund, honors a UW Libraries staff member who has demonstrated exceptional service to UW Libraries and made significant contributions to the university and/or the community. Recipients of this award are chosen by a committee of their peers.

Valdez has worked for UW Libraries since September 1986. She assists with the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) unit, which serves the UW community and libraries across the nation. ILL is used to request materials, including books, DVDs and CDs, held by lenders worldwide. Her attention to detail while processing these orders ensures that patrons have reliable and timely access to items.

Last year, Valdez supported ILL through multiple personnel changes. The former manager of ILL retired, a new ILL manager and staff member joined the department, and ILL saw an influx of requests due to the Prospector service being offline. Her abilities to adapt and learn have made Valdez a valuable asset to UW Libraries and all of its partners, say her colleagues.

“Through these changes, Tandi has remained a dedicated and personable employee, ready to share her knowledge with co-workers, in turn, making their transitions easier,” wrote Orrin Koenig, a senior library assistant, in his nomination letter. “Further, between personnel changes, there were periods when Tandi kept ILL running smoothly all by herself.”

Colleagues say Valdez provides exemplary service and is very knowledgeable. She goes out of her way to help patrons, including assisting individuals who have minimal technology skills or providing advice to help them find their lost items.

“She is always ready to help and maintains a pleasant demeanor even when things get busy,” wrote Toni Boughton, manager of ILL and Stacks Maintenance, in her nomination letter.