The Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists, CIMA, recently awarded Allie McCormack, original cataloger in the Marriott Library’s Special Collections, with the Mentorship Award at the 2025 conference held in Boise, Idaho.

Special Collections catalogers like Allie and her team ensure that the library’s most unique resources are discoverable in the online catalog and other related databases. This goes beyond writing physical descriptions of collection materials and requires them to carefully consider how students, faculty and other library patrons may wish to use these items for their coursework and research.

From the letters submitted on Allies’ behalf, “… it was clear that McCormack has gone above and beyond to create an atmosphere of encouragement and professional growth for everyone she supervises. Each nominator spoke extensively of her advocacy for professional development and support for being active members in professional organizations. They all also spoke of her patience and ability to tailor her instruction to each person’s learning style. Through this, she has created a workplace centered around support where all members feel included and encouraged.”

“Having the opportunity to encourage and empower the next generation of cultural heritage professionals is one of my favorite parts of my career,” reflects Allie. “It’s a great honor for that work to be recognized by my peers, colleagues and friends.”

About the Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists

The Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists, CIMA, is an association of archivists, conservators, historians and others working in archives. Its membership is open to all. Institutions in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and New Mexico are well represented. CIMA provides educational and professional networking opportunities and supports archives’ programs in the intermountain region.