Award Winners Announced at Annual Nova Scotia Library Association Conference



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2026

Award Winners Announced at Annual Nova Scotia Library Association Conference

PICTOU, N.S. — Two outstanding library workers were honoured at the recent Nova Scotia Library Association (NSLA) conference for their contributions to the field. 

Jeff Mercer and Terri Winchcombe were selected as 2026 award winners after being nominated by their library colleagues. 

Jeff Mercer was the former Executive Director and Chief Librarian of the Colchester-East Hants Public Library. He was posthumously awarded the Norman Horrocks Award for Library Leadership. 

The Norman Horrocks Award celebrates leaders in the Nova Scotia Library community who make distinguished contributions to the promotion and development of library service in Nova Scotia. Jeff was known for being a kind and dedicated leader who made everyone feel welcome. His colleagues remember him as much for his humour as for his professionalism. Over the course of a 27-year career, Jeff advocated strongly for the importance of libraries through his positions in public libraries and on library association boards. He was involved in many impactful projects, from new library builds to youth programming. 

NSLA also presented the Emile Theriault Library and Information Technology Award to Terry Winchcombe, Manager of Acquisitions for the Patrick Power Library at Saint Mary’s University. 

The award recognizes the efforts of a library support staff member who has made a major contribution to their library community. Established in 2006, the award is named for the first library support staff worker to serve as NSLA president

Terri received the award for her consistent willingness to share her expertise and bolster the library community. Aside from working at the Patrick Power Library, Terri is actively involved with groups like the Atlantic Provinces Library Association and the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries. Colleagues at each organization rely on her knowledge and problem-solving skills. Recently, Terri has been a strong voice speaking out against cuts to libraries and has led workshops on strategies for advocacy. She is also implementing a new model for mentoring students and early-career library workers.

The NSLA Board announced the two award winners on September 19th, at the association’s conference banquet.

More information about the awards can be found on the NSLA’s website (www.nsla.ns.ca). 

About NSLA:

The Nova Scotia Library Association (NSLA) is an association for people involved in librarianship or library and information studies at all levels and in all regions in Nova Scotia. NSLA formed in 1973 as a vehicle for library workers to share thoughts, enhance skills, stay aware of local issues and promote the value of libraries. Its purpose is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and provide a forum to discuss issues concerning library and information services. 

Media Contact:

Erin Flynn

Public Relations and Promotions Convener, Nova Scotia Library Association

public.relations@nsla.ns.ca


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nova Scotia Library Association Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Image
Truro, NS (September 16, 2025) : The Nova Scotia Library Association (NSLA) is thrilled to recognize individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have greatly contributed to Nova Scotia’s libraries. From library advocacy to program development, the recipients of NSLA’s 2025 awards have supported school, academic and public libraries with outstanding service to their institutions and communities. Awards will be presented to recipients during the Libraries, Archives, & Museums Conference, held from October 2nd to 4th, 2025, in Halifax.    The Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the following awards: The Norman Horrocks Award for Library Leadership was established to honour leadership in the Nova Scotia Library community and is given by NSLA for distinguished contributions to the promotion and development of library service in Nova Scotia. Those contributions should be of lasting significance and may be for leadership of various kinds – ranging from local...
Read more

NSLA Conference 2024: Make it Happen, Make it Matter!

Image
OCTOBER 25-27, 2024, AMHERST NS The 2024 NSLA Conference theme is Make it Happen, Make it Matter! Libraries are more important than ever before. Make it Happen, Make it Matter! symbolizes the positive impacts libraries, and library staff, have on everyone who passes through our physical or digital doors. We provide exemplary service, and fill societal gaps, while offering engaging resources and experiences. Libraries are an inclusive space that celebrate diversity, we make inclusivity happen, and make it matter. Library Staff Make it Happen. Whether we are helping a university student find the right article, or providing a warm and welcoming environment, library staff make our province a better place for everyone. We are a constant in an ever changing world, and have adapted to meet the needs of our diverse communities whenever necessary. Library Staff Make it Matter. Everyone approaches library work differently. The impact libraries have is a direct result of the passionate people ...
Read more

NSLA Conference 2024 - Early Bird Registration is Now Open!

Image
  NSLA Conference 2024 - Early Bird Registration is Now Open! The NSLA Program Committee is pleased to announce that early bird registration is now open for the NSLA 2024 Conference! The conference takes place in Amherst, NS, between Friday, October 25 and Sunday, October 27. General conference information, and program updates, will be made available on our conference page . Topics include: ●   Featured Keynote speaker: Lorisia MacLeod ●   Dementia friendly library resources, ●   Emerging webcomic and webnovels in print, ●  Censorship in NS public libraries, ●   Collaborating to support children learning motor skills, ●   and more! Do you have any conference questions? Email conference@nsla.ns.ca for more information. 
Read more