The Hawaii Association of School Librarians honored Deborah Lum, school librarian of the year, and Meredith Maeda, school administrator of the year, at its annual conference last weekend.

Lum, who was awarded the 2008 Golden Key Librarian Award, collaborated with teachers at Waikele Elementary School to integrate information-literacy skills and state-education standards during her 13 years there.

She recently retired, but is credited with improving student performance on statewide assessments.

Maeda, principal of Castle High School, was awarded the 2008 Outstanding School Administrator - Library Service Award. He has been leading the school's efforts to improve student achievement by promoting a strong central role for the school library team.

Maeda encouraged a partnership of the 11 Castle-complex school libraries and developed a strategic plan including the funding, personnel and creativity to maintain the school library at the center of student learning.