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September/October 2005: Issue 127
Sally Kasalko Retires From UAMS Library
The UAMS Library and invited guests from across the campus bade a fond farewell to Sally Kasalko at a retirement party given in her honor on August 31, 2005. Sally was a very familiar and well-respected figure in the library and on campus. She served in the Reference Division of the Library and on many campus committees during her 37-year career at UAMS, and she touched the lives of many people. Among the guests who shared conversation, pizza, salads, cakes, cookies and lots of fun with Sally were Dr. Larry Milne, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Richard Wheeler, Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Medicine, and Dr. James Pasley, Associate Dean for Educational Advancement in College of Medicine. A number of Sally's retired colleagues also stopped by to wish her well. Sally received an array of retirement gifts and was presented with the following resolution that includes highlights of her distinguished career.
Whereas, Sally G. Kasalko, B. S., M.L.S., Professor/Librarian and Reference Librarian of the UAMS Library retires on August 31, 2005 from the Library and the Faculty of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko joined the Library Faculty in 1968, obtained a Master of Library Science degree from Vanderbilt-Peabody Graduate School of Library Sciences in 1981, passed the first national Medical Library Association examination and was awarded a Certificate of Health Sciences Librarianship in 1982, and was inducted into the Academy of Health Information Professionals at the Senior Level;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko served this institution with distinction for over 37 years in the Reference Division of the Library in various positions including Division Head;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko served this institution as Chair of the Academic Senate, chair of various Senate committees, and member of the campus-wide Tenure Review Task Force, 1997-1999;
Whereas, she capitalized on her computer interest and skills to inaugurate the Computer-assisted Research Services of the UAMS Library, initiated and trained UAMS Library staff in the use of computers in libraries, provided online workshops on computer-assisted reference work throughout the State, and became in 1991 the Library Microcomputer Coordinator with responsibilities for assisting other units on campus in the use of microcomputers for several years;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko has been a member of Beta Phi Mu, Library Science Honor Society;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko assisted in the formation of the Arkansas Regional Medical Program and supported the Rural Hospital Program, and developed and implemented the initial training and services for the Area Health Education Center librarians in Arkansas;
Whereas, she participated in the organization of Arkansas' Pre-White House Conference on Libraries in 1979; was a co-coordinator of the state planning meeting "Building Consumer Health Information Networks for Arkansas," and developed and taught workshops throughout the state on consumer health information;
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko serves as a voting member on the UAMS Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, reviews all new research proposals to ensure that database searching is comprehensive and accurate, inspects animal care facilities and labs, and has assisted in the overhaul of procedures; and
Whereas, Ms. Kasalko supported professional organizations at the state, regional, and national level, including serving as chair of various committees of the Arkansas Library Association, the South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association, and the Medical Library Association, for whom she was the Webmaster for the Public Services Section;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas that the Board expresses its deep appreciation to Ms. Kasalko for her part in the development and progress of this institution and names her "Professor and Reference Librarian, Emeritus" effective October 1, 2005; and directs the Secretary of the Board of Trustees to spread this resolution upon the minutes and to transmit this resolution to Professor/Librarian Sally G. Kasalko.
Sally's retirement plans include extensive travel and pursuit of various leisure activities. However, we are happy to report that Sally is not leaving behind all UAMS activity. She will serve as a volunteer at the South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association Conference being held in Little Rock this month and she will continue her service on the UAMS IACUC Committee. Sally has seen many students, researchers, faculty and staff come and go over the years, and we have all benefited from her knowledge, research skills, and cheerful, outgoing personality. She will be missed, but we look forward to her new involvement with the UAMS community as a Professor and Reference Librarian, Emeritus. Congratulations, Sally!