Nedelina Tchangalova is a librarian who is passionate about teaching students life-long searching skills. A strong advocate for open access research, she collaborates with the faculty on public health-related issues. Her professional work surrounds the IDEA concepts of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all people with different abilities. Originally from Bulgaria, she immigrated to the United States with her family. She loves traveling, being in the parks, and walking in the woods. Nedelina uses her insight into the deep need for inclusive technology to facilitate open and accessible communication for the disability community. She artfully crafts into her work, weaving information, and disability justice together.
Gemstone Librarian of the Year (2017)
University of Maryland College Park
The award is based on nominations from students and is given to the librarian who “has demonstrated exemplary support and guidance of his or her senior team.”
Special Recognition Award (2010)
University of Maryland Libraries – College Park, MD
This award recognized my contributions to the Provost’s Conversations on Diversity, Democracy, and Higher Education by making accessible annotated reading lists of guest lecturers’ publications online via the Libraries Diversity Team’s web site.
Diversity Leadership Development Program Award (2009)
Special Libraries Association – Washington, DC
This award “aims to accelerate the advancement and visibility of members who represent a diverse population of the Association by mentoring them for more leadership opportunities within the Special Libraries Association, to ensure that the Association remains vital, relevant, and representative of its diverse membership.”
Peer Recognition Award (2006)
University of Maryland Libraries – College Park, MD
This award recognized my exemplary work and initiative both within the Engineering and Physical Sciences Library (EPSL) and in the UM Libraries as a whole. Accomplishments included the establishment of the New Librarians network, and developing creative solutions for staffing and budgetary shortfalls in EPSL Reference Services.
Leadership Award (2019)
President's Commission on Disability Issues, University of Maryland - College Park, MD
This award was presented for the outstanding service of the commission members to organize the UMD Disability Summit.
Distinguished Service Award (2008)
President's Commission on Disability Issues, University of Maryland - College Park, MD
This award recognized the Diversity team’s contributions to the improvement of the experiences of people with disabilities on campus.
Librarian
University of Maryland Libraries, College Park - STEM Library
01 Jan 2005 - present