Kent State University Libraries Receives IMMY Award from Kent Area Chamber of Commerce

University Libraries recognized for outreach to local businesses

On Nov. 16, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2011 Tree City Awards and recognized Kent State University Libraries with an IMMY award for its contributions to local businesses. IMMYs are given to recognize quality businesses and individuals in the Kent area in support of economic retention, reinvestment and new facilities development.

Ken Burhanna and Christine Ughrin, both of University Libraries, and Joe Salem, formerly of University Libraries, contributed their time and expertise toward these successes. Burhanna, associate professor and head of instructional services at University Libraries, accepted the IMMY award at the event. 

Recognizing the importance of entrepreneurial success and economic development in the Kent area, Jim Bracken, dean of Kent State University Libraries, and his business librarians have been reaching out to local businesses, development agencies and entrepreneurs to create partnerships for success. 

“Remaining consistent with President Lefton’s strategic goals, we are connecting with the world beyond our campus as we continue to look for ways to help the community,” Bracken said.

University Libraries has been providing local community members, business owners and entrepreneurs with community borrower access to, and assistance with, the vast information resources available within the libraries. These resources can be accessed through training sessions and one-on-one research consultations.

University Libraries’ business librarians have worked with the Small Business Development Center in Kent. This partnership has enabled business owners to find valuable market research for their business plans, which has lead to stronger applications to fund the launching of new ventures or expanding growing businesses. Recently, University Libraries played a role in the successes of Anderson Aerospace, a local satellite communications firm.

For more information about Kent State University Libraries and its work with local businesses, contact Ken Burhanna at 330-672-1660 or kburhann@kent.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Ken Burhanna, kburhann@kent.edu, 330-672-1660
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595