Ted
Quiballo
Instructional Technologies Librarian
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
From the MakerLab at Northwestern University, instructional technologies librarian Ted Quiballo helps mold opportunities for vulnerable populations while building a mentorship model with students and interns.
As part of a summer program facilitated by World Relief Chicago—a Christian humanitarian resettlement organization—he introduces refugee and asylum-seeking youth to new technologies and STEM skills in the university’s makerspace. While guiding the program within the MakerLab, Quiballo also trains student workers and local high school interns to lead activities such as video production and 3D printing, as well as face unforeseen obstacles. “In moments of chaos and confusion, Ted’s calm and collected demeanor proved to be a source of strength for the entire team,” one nominator wrote.
Quiballo also supports the university’s prison education program, NPEP, which provides a high-quality liberal arts education to incarcerated students in Illinois. One of the first to volunteer at the program’s inception, he has worked with dozens of incarcerated students to provide research support, information literacy instruction, and other resources. He has even gone beyond the call of duty to assist one now-formerly incarcerated student with purchasing a car.
“Ted is a true treasure, and his presence has enriched the lives of everyone he has touched,” one nominator wrote. “His ability to uplift, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of those around him is truly exceptional.”
Quiballo was selected from nearly 1,400 nominations from library users nationwide for the 2024 award. As part of his award, he will receive a $5,000 cash prize as well as complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend ALA's LibLearnX event in Baltimore.
The I Love My Librarian Award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, with additional support from the New York Public Library, and is administered by the American Library Association. Since 2008, library users have shared more than 24,000 nominations detailing how librarians have gone above and beyond to promote literacy, expand access to technology, and support diversity and inclusion in their communities.