INFORMATION FOR
The David and Lorraine Cheng Library is proud to celebrate the achievements of three of its librarians who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to scholarship, student engagement, and the university and local communities in 2026.
David Williams, Digital Initiatives & Special Collections Librarian, and Richard Kearney (Ret.), Electronic Resources Librarian, received the New Jersey Academic Librarians Research Award for their co-authored article, “Beyond Description: Interrogating Narrative Elements in Archival Finding Aids.” The award honors the best published research completed by a New Jersey academic librarian each year, recognizing excellence in research and scholarship produced by librarians across the state.
Published in the Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies, Williams and Kearney’s article examined a corpus of archival finding aids using established readability and usability standards. Their research explored how the narrative elements and language used in finding aids can influence how researchers discover, understand, and interact with archival collections. Their work contributes to ongoing conversations about accessibility, usability, and the researcher experience in archival settings.
Gary Marks, Jr., Reference & Outreach Librarian, was also recognized for his contributions to students and the community. In spring 2026, Marks received the Arnold Speert Students First Award from the William Paterson University Student Government Association (SGA), the highest honor bestowed by the SGA upon a university faculty or staff member. Marks was recognized for his dedicated commitment to serving William Paterson students and his numerous contributions to supporting the work of the SGA. His involvement includes advising the SGA Academic Affairs Committee, providing workshops, resources, and guidance on parliamentary procedures and constitution revisions, and supporting outreach efforts for SGA elections. Marks was also recognized as the Wanaque Borough Volunteer of the Year for 2024–25 by the Wanaque Borough Mayor and Council. The Wanaque Recreation Commission nominated Marks for the honor in recognition of his extensive volunteer service to the community. Marks serves as President of the Lakeland Jr. Soccer Club and has volunteered as a youth soccer coach and administrator in the community for 13 years. His contributions were recognized for the countless hours he has dedicated to supporting approximately 400 youth soccer players in the community every year.
Together, these recognitions highlight the diverse ways Cheng Library librarians contribute through scholarship, student engagement, leadership, and community service. Williams and Kearney’s award-winning research demonstrates the Library’s commitment to scholarship and innovation in librarianship, while Marks’ two recognitions underscore the important role librarians can play in supporting student leadership and contributing to the broader community.
The Cheng Library congratulates David Williams, Richard Kearney, and Gary Marks, Jr. on these well-deserved honors and celebrates their continued contributions to scholarship, students, and the William Paterson University and local communities.
