My name is Sarah Paige, and I am one of the student winners of the 2017 Riddick Student Grant Awards. I am so sorry to hear that John Riddick has passed away.
I feel so supported by NASIG already, and I haven’t even been to one of the conferences yet! From the words below (by Leigh Ann), I can see how big an impact he has had in helping to create and maintain the organization. I am sad that I will not have a
chance to meet him, but I am very happy that NASIG created an award in his name and that I am one of the winners of that grant this year. I look forward to meeting many of you in June this year in Indianapolis, and I thank you again for making me one of your
choices for this award.
Sarah Paige
Graduate Student,
University of North Texas-Denton MLIS Program
From: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG]
On Behalf Of publicist@nasig.org
Sent: Friday, April 07, 2017 2:32 PM
To: SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG
Subject: [SERIALST] Passing of John Riddick
On behalf of the NASIG organization, the Executive Board wishes to express our great sorrow for the loss of John Riddick. Without John’s leadership, vision and driving force, NASIG would not be entering its 32nd year. As our founder, John is held in high regard
and is owed a great debt of gratitude.
As NASIG’s primary marketing strategist in 1984/85, John tirelessly promoted the concept of a North American group for all participants in the serials information chain. John believed in what he called the “technique of personal marketing” – hundreds of hand-typed
letters traveled throughout North America and designated ambassadors spread the word through visits and phone calls. His plan was a great success and the first conference had over 250 attendees and soon after the organization was off and running.
Self-effacing, never taking credit himself, John always talked about the collaborative efforts of all those involved. In his speech at the 10th conference (1996), John said, “And thus there was no heroic figure … NASIG was conceived and brought forth through
the efforts and dedication of many individuals.” John capably motivated the right people and ensured that all sectors of the information chain were represented – libraries, vendors, publishers, and other service entities.
Most of all, he thrived in being a mentor and in seeing NASIG become a leading serials organization. Once he saw that others were able to take over, John stepped back and did not seek recognition. He had other projects to focus on – his research in British
India.
In honor of John’s valuable contribution, the Executive Board in 2010 named the student scholarships the “John Riddick Student Grant Award”. The award entitles library school students to attend the NASIG conference with transportation and registration covered
by NASIG. John originated the idea and the first scholarships were given in 1988.
To continue to celebrate John’s life, the NASIG Executive Board made a donation to CMU Library. We are so fortunate that John envisioned and then ensured that NASIG continues into the future.
Leigh Ann DePope
Publicist, NASIG, Inc.
publicist@nasig.org | @NASIG
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Established in 1985, NASIG is an independent non-profit organization working to advance and transform the management of information
resources in all formats and business models. For more information about NASIG and our member opportunities, please visit
http://www.nasig.org/.
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