For her work modernizing the Mineral Point Library Archives and responding to researchers’ needs in Mineral Point and around the country, archivist Shan Thomas has won a special service award.
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) said the archives is an accessible and widely used resource for researchers, historians, genealogists, educators, preservationists, authors, filmmakers and community members.
Over four years, Thomas arranged, described, inventoried, and preserved thousands of photographs, manuscripts, maps, diaries, letters, oral histories, architectural records, newspapers, and rare books according to professional archival standards, the WLA said in a press release announcing the award.
“Her talent transforms what a small public library can accomplish for communities across Wisconsin,” Eugene R.H. Tesdahl, professor of history and department chair at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, wrote in a letter supporting Thomas’ nomination. Tesdahl said primary documents from the archives have helped support three of his peer-reviewed articles.
Jim Jewell, of Linden, a longtime researcher who has used the Mineral Point archives since 1980, praised both Thomas’ organization and her commitment to helping visitors. “With the professional organization of Shan Thomas, a researcher no longer needs to ‘dig’ for the treasure, it is now accessible to all,” he wrote.
Thomas has also expanded the archives’ role in documenting Mineral Point’s living history by creating biographies of 350 artists, including examples of their work, who have shaped the community since the 1930s.
“She doesn’t simply maintain collections-she brings them to life,” said Mineral Point Library Director Diane Palzkill. “The Mineral Point Public Library and Archives continues to strive for excellence and this award is another indication of our success.”
The award was announced Friday and will be presented at the WLA annual conference in Madison Oct. 22.