PA Library Association Awards Certificate of Merit to University of Scranton Librarian

The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) recognizes Marleen Cloutier of the Weinberg Memorial Library at The University of Scranton, among three members honored with 2026 Certificates of Merit.

This year’s winners are Marleen Cloutier, cataloging and metadata librarian at The University of Scranton, Nicole Henline, director, Monroeville Public Library, and Becky Wanamaker, district consultant for the Reading Library District.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) honors the service of its members, as well as those community volunteers, who go above and beyond the call of duty to support the work of libraries throughout the commonwealth.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, three members of the Association were honored with Certificates of Merit.

Certificates of Merit are awarded to individuals making outstanding contributions in Pennsylvania during the last five years.

Since 2017, Cloutier has demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills within the Association, while serving the Northeast Chapter as Membership Chair, then Nominations and Elections Representative, and later, Chapter Chair. Cloutier shared her technical services expertise as a presenter at the Annual Conference and served in every position within the Technical Services Round Table, including twice as chair. While serving on the 2023 Conference Committee as Chair of the Technical Arrangements Committee, Cloutier shared novel strategies for streamlining the conference that continue to be in use. At The University of Scranton, Cloutier serves as co-editor of the Weinberg Memorial Library newsletter, chairs an annual environmental art show, and recently revamped the first-year undergraduate student library orientation program.

Cloutier has a Master of Science in Library and Information Science with a Concentration in Digital Libraries from Drexel University, and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from The University of Scranton. She began her career in 2013 as a Library Assistant Intern at Goulston and Storrs Law Library. Later, she was a copy cataloger for Backstage Library Works in 2014-2015.  She joined The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library in 2016 as a Cataloging Assistant, where she is now Associate Professor and Cataloging and Metadata Librarian. Marleen led the University through an intensive investigation into new ILS, recommendations and preparation, and ultimately concluded with a successful migration. She led with calmness, clarity and organization.

"I am deeply proud to honor the outstanding contributions of our members, whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to equity ensure our libraries remain powerful anchors for communities across the Commonwealth," said Richard E. Ashby, Jr., 2026 President of the Pennsylvania Library Association.  

"Serving as the first African-American President of the Pennsylvania Library Association [PaLA] is a profound honor. Throughout my career as the Executive Director of the Sharon Hill Public Library and the Founder of LiteracyNation Inc., my mission has always been to break down barriers, champion membership diversity, and ensure equitable resource distribution. This historic milestone is not just a personal honor, but a collective victory that signals a proactive, inclusive era where every community across our Commonwealth is seen, heard, and structurally supported."  

A committee comprised of association members reviews the nominations submitted in late summer and selects winners for a series of categories.

“Working in libraries can be both extremely challenging with limited funds as well as profoundly meaningful when we see the joy of readers and patrons valuing library services,” said Pennsylvania Library Association Executive Director Christi Buker. “The Pennsylvania Library Association brings together the library community for advancement of both individuals and libraries. These awards bring important attention to outstanding individuals who make a positive impact both in their individual libraries, and across the state. Our 2026 award winners are top-notch professionals who are highly deserving of this recognition. We hope everyone will join us in congratulating them!”

Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state's oldest and most diverse professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups.

PaLA represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.

View a complete listing of previous winners. For more information about the work of the Pennsylvania Library Association, visit www.palibraries.org .