Jane Arnold to receive 2025 Dalhousie Library & Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) Outstanding Alumni Award

September 9, 2025

The Dalhousie Library and Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) today announced that Jane Arnold, Archivist at the Beaton Institute at Cape Breton University (CBU), is the 2025 recipient of the Association’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

The Dalhousie Library and Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) is delighted to announce that Jane Arnold (MLIS ’08) has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award!

This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the fields of librarianship, archives, and information studies, and Jane’s remarkable career exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation, and service that this award celebrates.

Since earning her Master of Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie in 2008, Jane has served as Archivist at the Beaton Institute at Cape Breton University (CBU). In her seventeen years in this role, she has made an indelible impact not only at CBU, but also within the heritage sector across Cape Breton, the wider archival community, and the profession in Nova Scotia.

Jane excels in every aspect of her role, from preserving and promoting the archival record to connecting archives with the academy and the broader public. Her work includes facilitating donations, teaching classes and workshops, supporting research projects, curating exhibitions, securing grants, and mentoring numerous students, staff, and interns. Whether moving boxes in the archives, sourcing material for a publication, or presenting at community and professional conferences, Jane consistently demonstrates her dedication, skill, and passion for the archival profession.

Her influence extends far beyond the Beaton Institute. Jane has provided extraordinary service to the archival and heritage community, including serving as President, Vice-President, and Executive member of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives; Director and Chair of the Old Sydney Society’s Museum Committee; President of Heritage Cape Breton Connection; and Chair of the Library and Cultural Resources Council at CBU. Through these roles and many others, Jane has strengthened networks, supported heritage organizations, and advanced the visibility and value of archives across the province.

Jane’s colleagues and community partners describe her as a tireless advocate, a generous mentor, and a trusted steward of Cape Breton’s history and heritage. Her work exemplifies excellence in archives and librarianship, and her deep commitment to service and community engagement has inspired many.

We are proud to honour Jane Arnold as our 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient. Please join us in celebrating her exceptional achievements and contributions to the archival and library professions. Save the date for Friday, October 3rd (3:30-5:00pm). More event details and registration will follow soon.

(Via Dalhousie Library and Information Alumni Association)