CJ De Jong receives the 2025 COPPUL Outstanding Contribution Award

The Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL) is pleased to congratulate CJ de Jong, Head, Access Services for Library and Museums at the University of Alberta, as the recipient of the 2025 COPPUL Outstanding Contribution Award. This award, given annually to an individual or team working in a member library, recognizes exemplary contributions to the consortium.

CJ is recognized for his leadership in COPPUL’s Resource Sharing Community as well as in national and international resource sharing committees and networks. In his nomination, University of Alberta's Vice-Provost (Library & Museums) and Chief Librarian Dale Askey describes CJ's key role in instituting a no-charge reciprocal borrowing arrangement throughout COPPUL and across Canada, an agreement that "served to reduce cost barriers for many libraries and simplify work processes for all, showing commitment toward a collaborative resource sharing environment in Canada."

Longtime colleague Brenda Smith (Open Education Librarian at Thompson Rivers University) notes that "CJ's innovative mindset and strategic thinking are evident in his ability to envision and implement transformative changes in resource sharing. His inclusive leadership style, vision, and unwavering commitment to COPPUL’s mission and values have made him an invaluable asset. CJ is renowned for his collaborative spirit and dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment."

Thank you, CJ, for your exceptional work on behalf of COPPUL members!