The Ontario Library Boards' Association's

W.J. ROBERTSON MEDALLION

To recognize the librarian - professional or non-professional - who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario. The medallion is named after William John Robertson, a founding member of the Ontario Library Association and its fourth President in 1905 - the first trustee to be elected into the position. Robertson was twice chair of the St. Catharines Free Library Board in the late 1900s.

2009 Award Recipient - Public Librarian of the Year

Wilhelm Eisenbichler,

Director of Public Libraries

Sault Ste. Marie Public Library

(Note: the following is the presentation by Margaret Wicklum, 2009 President, OLBA, January 29, 2009.) 

This year the Ontario Library Boards' Association presents the W. J. Robertson medallion to Mr. Wilhelm Eisenbichler, Director and CEO of Public Libraries of Sault Ste. Marie for the past 15 years.

A recipient of heritage, cultural and volunteer awards, Willy has demonstrated his dedication to his community and province. 

Willy is a staunch believer in sharing knowledge, not an unusual trait in a librarian, but in Willy’s case it is a passion!  He has encouraged and mentored staff; presented at SuperConference, at OLS-North conferences and workshops; and freely contributed his expertise and time, along with those of his staff, to build knowledge and skills within the library community, including OLS-North’s Joint Server Initiative. 

Willy envisioned the expansion of the historical collection and its preservation; acquiring significant collections dealing with the development of Sault Ste. Marie and northern Ontario.

Under Willy’s direction, the library has become recognized by the Sault Accessibility Committee as a leader in municipal facilities for its upgraded access to libraries and to special needs materials,

The Sault Library Board has nothing but praise for Willy’s keen attention to budgetary matters.  During his tenure the library has never had a deficit … nor is it likely to have missed any grant opportunity!

Willy established one of the best Friends of the Library groups in Canada.  He is generous in his support of the Friends, and of all the volunteers who contribute almost 8,000 hours annually.  To this end, he has established an annual recognition programme.

Apart from the “Best-Sellers Café” and the library book store, Willy has developed revenue-generating partnerships with the municipality, financial institutions, service clubs and local businesses.  Willy initiated the first marketing plan, branded with a new logo, to enhance the library’s visibility and awareness within the community.

In 2008, Willy successfully lobbied City Council for an increase, not only in the base budget, but he secured a 25% increase in the annual contingency fund … not an insignificant feat at any time!

A man of dedication, vision, action and success, Wilhelm Eisenbichler is a worthy recipient of the W. J. Robertson Medallion.  Congratulations, Willy!