New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced that Dennis Daily, the department head of NMSU Library’s Archives and Special Collections, has been honored with the 2023 New Mexico Community Achievement Award from the New Mexico Library Association. The recognition was given for his library service and contributions to the community. This award underscores Daily's significant impact on library services in New Mexico.
Delving into his background, it's clear why Daily is a deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade. Dennis Daily began his career at NMSU in 1997, focusing on a project involving the microfilming of archives in Durango, Mexico. He earned a master's degree in library and information science. Additionally, Daily dedicated ten years to a notable public library district in Colorado, according to a press release by NMSU.
The nature of Daily's work is largely dependent on its relationship with the local community. "In the work we do here in the NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections, our relationship with the community is paramount," said Daily, according to a press release by NMSU. "Our collections of historical family papers, photographs, and records of southern New Mexico businesses and organizations come from the community, are here for the community to use, and are preserved as a record of the community. I’m happy this award recognizes the important work we do in the community, particularly in the area of preserving and promulgating the history and cultural heritage of our region and our state."
Kevin Comerford, dean of NMSU Library offers high praise for Daily's efforts. "Professor Daily is certainly deserving of this award. As head of the NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections department, he has worked diligently to build collections that preserve and document the history and culture of the southern New Mexico region," said Kevin Comerford, dean of NMSU Library, according to a press release by NMSU. "His efforts to engage the research community, provide outreach programming, and ensure our collections are accessible to researchers, faculty and students have been tremendously impressive."
The NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections offers an open invitation for exploration. Researchers are welcome to explore the NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections, available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The designated Caroline E. Stras Research Room is situated on the 4th floor of Branson Library, according to the Archives and Special Collections website provided by NMSU.