Jacobsen Wins Top National Service Award

The head of library services at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, Larry Jacobsen, has won the 1997 American Society of Primatologists Distinguished Service Award.

Jacobsen was named the recipient of the national honor recently during the society’s 20th Annual Meeting in San Diego.

“Larry was commended for his contributions to primate research, conservation and education,” said Joseph Kemnitz, interim director at the center, part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School. “For the past 24 years, he has played a key role in developing and expanding our library from a small collection donated by the first director to what is now the world’s largest primate-oriented library collection.”

The library serves researchers, instructors, staff and students on campus as well as nationally and internationally, Kemnitz said. He added that, in addition to science journals and newsletters, the library contains many special collections, including more than 6,300 slides, 600 videos, a rare book collection, and a children’s literature section used by College for Kids summer programs and for teacher education. Along with Jacobsen, the library’s permanent staff includes Joanne Brown and Ray Hamel.

“Larry and his staff also provide several widely used Internet services such as job postings, document delivery, a reference service and a discussion forum called ‘Primate-Talk,'” Kemnitz said.

Moreover, the library produces the International Directory of Primatology, the only comprehensive source of accurate information about organizations involved in primate research, education and conservation.