[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 139 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S13134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     A TRIBUTE TO REBEKAH HARLESTON
 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise here today to pay tribute 
to Rebekah M. Harleston, a pioneer in the field of documents 
librarians. Ms. Harleston died on October 14, 1994, after dedicating 
more than two decades of her life to public service. Her innovative 
work as a reference and government documents librarian has been widely 
recognized and appreciated, and today the public still reaps the 
benefits of her lasting contribution to this field.
  Ms. Harleston was a powerful driving force behind improvements to the 
libraries of Kentucky and the Nation. She worked as a reference and 
government documents librarian within the University of Kentucky [UK] 
Library system from July 1, 1958 until her retirement on June 30, 1983. 
During her time at the University of Kentucky, the UK libraries became 
both the regional depository library for the Commonwealth of Kentucky 
and a United Nations depository library. She was a charter member of 
the Government Documents Round Table of the American Library 
Association and chaired the Kentucky Library Association's Government 
Documents Round Table. In addition, she collaborated with Carla 
Stoffle, currently dean of the University of Arizona libraries, in 
writing what was then considered the definitive book on depository 
libraries, ``Administration of Government Documents Collections.''
  Mr. President, this woman's dedication and exemplary work are 
illustrated by the many fond recollections of her colleagues. They 
speak of her as an excellent teacher who mentored many documents 
librarians, and they recall her ``infectious enthusiasm for government 
reference work.'' Her dedication and accomplishments as a professional 
are truly admirable.
  As a public servant, Rebekah Harleston made lasting contributions to 
the state of Kentucky and the Nation. It is my honor to pay tribute 
today to this representative of Kentucky--a tireless, dedicated public 
servant, a woman to be emulated and admired.


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