Celebrating Stanford University Libraries’ Long-Serving Staff

Traditionally, the staff of Stanford University Libraries gather for a moment of reflection and joy before the University’s winter holiday and raise a toast to their colleagues. Those with long-serving tenure receive special acknowledgements at the event from Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian since 1994.

“The longevity of our staff is a testimony to their commitment to professional librarianship, to their stimulating and meaningful work, and to their camaraderie,” Keller said. “The veterans’ deep experience and expertise are powerful drivers not only of teaching and research at Stanford, but also of innovation in library and information science worldwide.”

Some staff started their professional careers at Stanford University Libraries while others joined from another institution or made a mid-life career change. Many have advanced degrees, MLIS degrees, or both.

Henry Lowood, this year’s longevity champion, marked his 45th year of continuous service. Lowood, who pursued his PhD at UC Berkeley while employed at the Stanford University Libraries, is the Harold C. Hohbach Curator for History of Science & Technology Collections and the Curator for Film & Media Collections. He has published widely and is considered a leading authority on the preservation of video games and virtual worlds. Lowood was instrumental in the founding of the Silicon Valley Archives and securing the archives of Ampex Corporation, Apple Computer, and many others both corporate and individual.

Leili You, pictured above, is one of a dozen staff reaching milestones of a quarter century or more. From 2000-2024, You worked at the offsite Stanford Auxiliary Libraries and assisted with tasks such as binding periodicals. She is now part of the vital Access Services team that enables the Libraries to open and function every day. In Green Library, she sorts and shelves new and returned books, retrieves requested materials, and cheerfully greets patrons at the entrance and circulation desks. “I enjoy working in a campus environment, meeting the nice people who visit the library, and helping students and faculty with borrowing and returning books,” You said.

Both Lowood and You will be recognized too by the university’s Stanford Celebrates You Program, which marks staff anniversaries every five years after their first year at Stanford. Starting at the five-year milestone, staff receive notable recognition such as a service award pin and a commemorative yearbook with congratulatory messages, a special program that began in 2018.

All staff across campus who have reached the 25-year milestone and beyond are celebrated at the Stanford Celebrates You recognition ceremony held every spring. Vijoy Abraham, Assistant University Librarian for Research Data Services, marked his own 25th milestone earlier this spring.

“It was a pleasure to be honored at the Stanford Celebrates You event, celebrating my 25 years of service to the University,” shared Abraham, “As I think back to my start with SUL in summer 1999, it would have been impossible to imagine what the world would be like in 2025, or the possibility that I may still be working at the leading edge of computational research support at this incredible institution.  Through the years I have appreciated the support of my colleagues, fed off the energy of our tireless students, and appreciated the opportunity to help in pushing the world to be a better place.”

Contributions from Lowood, You, Abraham and so many more at the Libraries over the years have been immeasurable. The Libraries owe much to our long-serving staff for their hard work and dedication.