PUBLISHED:May 22, 2008

Lauren Collins honored with AALL's Minority Leadership Development Award

May 22, 2008 — Lauren Collins, head of reference services for the Duke Law Library, was recently honored with the American Association of Law Libraries’ Minority Leadership Development Award.

The award recognizes individuals in the early stages of their careers as law librarians for their strong academic credentials and demonstration of leadership potential.

“Although she is in many ways modest and unassuming in discussing her accomplishments, it is clear, once these are noted, how much she has accomplished, not only in her work, but in her dedication to professional activities that demonstrate the kinds of leadership, and potential for future leadership that make her an appropriate recipient of the Minority Leadership Development Award,” said Dick Danner, Rufty Research Professor of Law and senior associate dean for information services.

Collins, who joined the Law Library in March 2007, co-teaches a section of Legal Analysis, Research and Writing, and is the coordinator of the Faculty Research Assistance Program. She was promoted to head of reference services in January 2008.

“This award and my promotion earlier this year have made this an exciting time for me,” she said. “It is encouraging to know so many people believe in my potential as a leader in the field of law librarianship. The support that has gotten me this far and additional support I will receive as a part of the award make me anxious to see what professional opportunities lie ahead for me.”

“The (Minority Leadership Development Award) is an achievement I have had my eye on since beginning my career as a law librarian,” Collins added. “Many of the people I admire in my field have been recognized with this honor.”

Collins came to Duke Law after serving as reference librarian at both the University of Miami and Wayne State University in Detroit. She received a Master of Science in Information from the University of Michigan in 2003, her JD from the University of North Carolina in 1994 and a BA in communications from Howard University in 1991. After graduating from law school, she practiced employment law in North Carolina and Michigan and provided anti-harassment training to union employees for a national law firm.