## From Dewey Decimal to Digital Discoveries: Gwen Gray Rewrites the Rules of Business Librarianship
Gwen Gray isn’t your typical librarian. While she may know the Dewey Decimal System like the back of her hand, she’s also fluent in the language of blockchain, can navigate the complexities of financial databases with ease, and understands the unique information needs of today’s business world. Her passion for connecting researchers with the right knowledge, no matter how niche, has earned her a prestigious honor: the Business Librarianship Award from Show Me Mizzou. This isn’t just about books and databases; it’s about a librarian who’s empowered businesses, students, and researchers to unlock their full potential through the power of information.
Student Success: Gwen Gray’s Mentorship and Support
Gwen Gray, business, economics and entrepreneurship librarian at the University of Missouri, has been a driving force behind student success in the field of librarianship. Her dedication to student development and professional growth has not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognized with the prestigious BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award.
Gwen’s mentorship and support have had a profound impact on students in the field, providing them with the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Her contributions to MU’s translational research funding, training, and mentorship programs, as well as her work with the regional I-Corps Program, MU EQ Student Accelerator, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, and Entrepreneurship Workshop Series, have significantly enhanced the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of the university.
As Jaya Ghosh, program director of the MU Coulter Biomedical Accelerator, noted in her nomination letter, “Gwen’s work significantly enhances the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of MU, and by extension of Missouri and the U.S. at large.” Her commitment to supporting student success and professional development is evident in her tireless efforts to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their careers.
Gwen’s dedication to student success is a testament to her passion for librarianship and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of her students. Her recognition with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her hard work and dedication to the field.
The Recognition and Response
Gwen Gray’s reaction to receiving the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award was one of humility and gratitude. In a statement, she expressed her appreciation for the recognition and acknowledged the support of her colleagues and mentors.
“I am humbled to receive the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award and am deeply grateful to LSEG Data & Analytic and RUSA for this recognition,” Gwen stated. “Many thanks to the committee for selecting me to receive this honor. I’ve had wonderful support throughout my career at the Mizzou Libraries and would like to especially note Rhonda Whithaus and Jeannette Pierce who (unbeknownst to me) spearheaded the nomination effort.”
Gwen also acknowledged the support of her colleagues, including Doug Moesel, associate professor of management, and Greg Bier, executive director of Entrepreneurship Programs. Her recognition with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award is a testament to the impact of her work and the value she has brought to the field of librarianship.
The individuals and teams who supported Gwen Gray’s nomination and recognized her contributions include the Mizzou Libraries, the MU Coulter Biomedical Accelerator, and the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award committee. Their efforts have helped to highlight Gwen’s dedication to student success and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.
Implications for the University and the Field
The recognition of Gwen Gray with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award has significant implications for the University of Missouri and the broader field of librarianship. Her work has enhanced the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of the university, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
The impact of Gwen’s work can be seen in the success of students and faculty who have benefited from her mentorship and support. Her contributions to the regional I-Corps Program, MU EQ Student Accelerator, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, and Entrepreneurship Workshop Series have provided students with the resources and guidance they need to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
The recognition of Gwen Gray with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award also highlights the importance of librarianship in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. Her work demonstrates the value that librarians can bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
The implications of Gwen’s work for the field of librarianship are significant. Her recognition with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award serves as a model for librarians who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of their students and communities.
The Broader Impact of Gwen Gray’s Work
Enhancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Capacity
Gwen Gray’s work has significantly enhanced the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of the University of Missouri and the broader community. Her contributions to the regional I-Corps Program, MU EQ Student Accelerator, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, and Entrepreneurship Workshop Series have provided students with the resources and guidance they need to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
The impact of Gwen’s work can be seen in the success of students and faculty who have benefited from her mentorship and support. Her work has helped to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at the university, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
As Jaya Ghosh noted in her nomination letter, “Gwen’s work significantly enhances the innovation and entrepreneurship capacity of MU, and by extension of Missouri and the U.S. at large.” Her recognition with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award is a testament to the impact of her work and the value she has brought to the field of librarianship.
Fostering Collaboration and Community Engagement
Gwen Gray’s work has also fostered collaboration and community engagement among stakeholders. Her contributions to the regional I-Corps Program, MU EQ Student Accelerator, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, and Entrepreneurship Workshop Series have provided opportunities for students, faculty, and community members to come together and work towards common goals.
The impact of Gwen’s work can be seen in the creation of partnerships between the university and the broader community. Her work has helped to establish the university as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in their careers.
The recognition of Gwen Gray with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award serves as a model for librarians who are committed to fostering collaboration and community engagement. Her work demonstrates the value that librarians can bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Implications for Librarianship and Education
The recognition of Gwen Gray with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award has significant implications for the field of librarianship and education. Her work demonstrates the value that librarians can bring to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
The impact of Gwen’s work can be seen in the creation of new models for librarianship and education. Her contributions to the regional I-Corps Program, MU EQ Student Accelerator, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, and Entrepreneurship Workshop Series have provided students with the resources and guidance they need to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
The recognition of Gwen Gray with the BRASS Excellence in Business Librarianship Award serves as a model for librarians who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of their students and communities. Her work demonstrates the value that librarians can bring to the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Celebrating Gwen Gray’s Business Librarianship Excellence
The recent Business Librarianship Award presented to Gwen Gray at the Show Me Mizzou event is a testament to her exceptional dedication and expertise in driving innovation in business librarianship. Throughout this article, we delved into the significance of Gray’s work, her commitment to advancing the field, and the impact of her contributions on the academic and professional communities. By highlighting Gray’s achievements, we underscore the vital role that business librarians play in shaping the next generation of business leaders and professionals. Her tireless efforts to provide cutting-edge resources, expert guidance, and innovative research support have set a new standard for excellence in business librarianship.
As we reflect on the significance of Gray’s Business Librarianship Award, we are reminded of the far-reaching implications of her work. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in business librarianship, Gray has not only elevated the profession but also inspired a new wave of librarians to pursue similar careers. Her achievement serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring librarians, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for innovation. As the business world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the importance of expert librarians like Gwen Gray will only grow, ensuring that the next generation of business leaders is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to succeed.