Justin Scroggs
2009 Ralph J. Shoemaker Award Honoree

Presented by Ron Larson
June 15, 2009
Washington, DC

I am here to present the Ralph J. Shoemaker Award of Merit to Justin Scroggs. This award is given each year to the past chair upon the completion of his term of office.

   The award is named after Ralph J. Shoemaker, who was librarian at the Philadelphia Public Ledger and the Louisville Courier-Journal. He was chair of the Newspaper Division of SLA from 1935 until 1936 and was one of the Division's most prestigious pioneers. He made significant contributions to the advancement of newspaper librarianship and played an outstanding role in the development and growth of the News Division. Among his accomplishments and contributions to the profession were: the first index of subject classification and picture files; the invention of the first microfilm reader-printer; and the organization of the picture library at the Pentagon during World War II.

   Justin Scroggs will now join the ranks of former chairs of the News Division, a list that includes some heavyweights in our Division's history. Some of those illustrious people include Joseph Kwapil, the first chair of the Division. He was chair two times, serving from 1923 until 1925, and again from 1929 until 1930. Another former chair was F. Heaton Shoemaker, who I believe to be Ralph's brother. Agnes Henebry, who is the namesake of one of the Division's prestigious awards, was Division chair from 1948 until 1949. Other illustrious chairs include William Chase, 1956-1957; David Rhydwen, 1960-1961; and Andy Ippolito, 1968-1969.

   The list also includes Jim Scofield, 1970-1971. Jim happens to be here tonight, celebrating his 46th consecutive SLA conference. Jim, would you please stand.

   There are a number of former chairs in attendance tonight and I would like them to stand when I read their names. They include: Barbara Semonche, 1983-1984; Carolyn Hardnett, 1984-1985; Richard Geiger, 1988-1989; Charlie Campo, 1995-1996; Debra Bade, 2000-2001; Linda Henderson, 2003-2004; Denise Jones, 2006; Jim Hunter, 2007; and our Shoemaker recipient, Justin Scroggs, 2008.

   It is my honor to present to Justin the Ralph J. Shoemaker award. I was very fortunate to have Justin precede me as chair. Justin was always quick to offer support and advice when I needed assistance. I will always appreciate the valuable insight and help that he gave me. Congratulations Justin!