Topeka resident wins KU Libraries scholarship

LAWRENCE, KS (06/21/2012)(readMedia)-- University of Kansas Libraries has awarded the 2012 Rubinstein-Mason Award to James Joseph Edmonds, Topeka. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to the KU student who most demonstrates characteristics of intellectual excellence and commitment, and whose primary interest is in special collections librarianship.

Edmonds graduated from KU in 2009 with a bachelor's in English and is enrolled as a graduate student at Emporia State University, where he plans to receive his master's of library science. In earning his degree, Edmonds hopes to develop a library collection focused on literature by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals.

"I am painfully aware of the underrepresentation of GLBT-focused literature and the access to such literature," Edmonds said in his application essay. "I think it is vital that we provide access to this information and to help foster a positive view of the GLBT people."

Edmonds is a graduate of Topeka West High School and is the son of Jeffrey and Barbara Edmonds.

The award fund, which is managed by KU Endowment, honors the late Joseph Rubinstein, first head of the KU Libraries' Department of Special Collections, and the late Alexandra Mason, Spencer Librarian Emerita.