Florida State University Libraries employee Nathan Scott is the 2015 recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) Paul Howard Award for Courage for his bravery when a shooter opened fire in front of Strozier Library last November.
The $1,000 award and citation honors a librarian, library board, library group or individual who has exhibited unusual courage for the benefit of library programs or services.
“Though wounded himself, Nathan Scott exhibited great courage and calm in the line of fire, and all of us at Florida State University are so grateful for his actions, which helped to protect hundreds of potential further victims in Strozier Library from harm,” said President John Thrasher. “He is indicative of the caring employees we have at FSU and a shining example of the dedication of university librarians across this nation.”
Scott, a library assistant for security at Florida State’s Strozier Library, received the honor for his actions on the night of Nov. 20, 2014, that likely saved the lives of library patrons during the shooting. Despite being shot in the leg, and at great risk to himself, he managed to run from the front desk in the lobby, past the security barriers and inside the library to warn others.
“Nathan’s bravery and selfless actions that night are exactly what the Paul Howard Award was created to recognize,” said Julia Zimmerman, dean of University Libraries. “We couldn’t be more proud that he is receiving this honor.”
Scott will be recognized at the 2015 Paul Howard Award presentation June 28 at the ALA annual conference in San Francisco, Calif.
“I would like to thank the American Library Association and those who nominated me for this prestigious award,” Scott said. “I am honored and I look forward to meeting everyone in San Francisco at the ALA conference.”
For more information about the Paul Howard Award for Courage, visit the ALA website.