Berkeley librarian receives I Love My Librarian Award

Jianye He recognized with national public service honor

CHICAGO – Jianye He, librarian for Chinese collections at the University of California, Berkeley, is a winner of this year’s I Love My Librarian Award. Recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) for her exceptional contributions to teaching and learning, she was selected from 1,865 nominations from library users across the country.

Students and faculty in Berkeley and beyond rely on He for expert assistance locating hard-to-find sources. Her vast network of research contacts, welcoming demeanor and extensive knowledge of Chinese literature, history, media and philosophy have made her indispensable to the scholarly community. Researchers across the country know they can count on He to assist with their work or support their students.

In addition to her academic expertise, He is also a builder of community. Her nominators describe her as a “home away from home” for Chinese visiting scholars in Berkeley, who turn to He not just for reference requests but also with logistical questions about life in the United States and for recommendations for campus events. During the many challenges of 2020, He provided emotional support and helpful information for visiting scholars about everything from pandemic-related travel restrictions to the strained state of U.S.-China relations.

“We are in constant awe at her knowledge of scholarly trends, her accessibility and resourcefulness in locating materials difficult to find not only in the U.S., but even in China,” her nominators wrote. “Her vigorous research agenda and her boundless energy have not only left their mark on our internationally-renowned research collection—she has also helped make us better scholars and a more closely-knit community.”

He and this year’s nine other honorees will each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a $750 donation to their library and complimentary registration to ALA’s 2021 Virtual Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits. The virtual award ceremony will take place during the conference at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021  and will be available to stream live at

Since the award’s inception in 2008, library users have shared more than 20,000 nominations detailing how librarians have gone above and beyond to promote literacy, expand access to technology and support diversity and inclusion in their communities. Information regarding previous award winners can be found on the I Love My Librarian website at 

Carnegie Corporation of New York generously sponsors the I Love My Librarian Award. The New York Public Library also supports the award. ALA administers the award through its Communications and Marketing Office, which promotes the value of libraries and librarians. 

About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 “to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.” In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation’s work focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and the strength of our democracy.

About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves nearly 17 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

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