SUNY Oswego’s 2018 Northern New York Library Network Outstanding Student Employee award honored makerspace assistant Tenaja Smith-Butler, a three-year Penfield Library employee.

Sharona Ginsberg, the learning technologies librarian, nominated Smith-Butler, pointing to her leadership, initiative and maturity.

"Makerspace assistant was a role that Tenaja initially sought out due to her existing strong interest in the makerspace, and this passion continues to drive her," Ginsberg wrote in her nomination submission. "She seeks out solutions and improvements, and carries out any tasks I assign immediately and with skill. I find her help invaluable and rely on her to keep the makerspace functioning smoothly. I am often impressed with Tenaja's level of maturity and responsibility."

Smith-Butler, a senior zoology major, also serves as vice president of the student Maker Club. Read more about her in this recent Campus Update Spotlight feature.

Penfield Library is a member of the Northern New York Library Network, whose Outstanding Student Employee Award recognizes student workers who exhibit outstanding patron service skills and colleague interactions; demonstrate responsibility through professionalism and work performance; exhibit strong leadership among peers; and show interest and initiative in the library profession.