Louis A. Pitschmann Named New Dean Of UA Libraries

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Louis A. Pitschmann, associate director for collection development and management at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, has been named the new dean of libraries at The University of Alabama.

Dr. Nancy Barrett, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced the appointment, which is effective in August.

Pitschmann, who earned doctoral and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago, has been in his current position since 1986, overseeing areas of collection development, preservation services and facilities, and user services. Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin, he served in a number of positions including deputy collections librarian at Cornell University from 1977-1986. Also while at Cornell, Pitschmann was responsible for the North European studies collections and the Fiske Icelandic collection, and served as humanities coordinator.

“Dr. Pitschmann has more than 20 years’ experience in library administration at major universities. We’re delighted that he will be joining the Alabama faculty, and we’re confident that his experience and expertise will help further the progress and success our faculty and staff have achieved in research, service, and the delivery of services to a vast array of information consumers and scholars,” Barrett said.

Pitschmann said he looks forward to joining the UA community. “During my initial visit to the University it became clear that here was the combination I had been hoping to find — outstanding librarians, dedicated staff, and university administrators who acknowledge that libraries are central to providing quality higher education. Just as important, I find Tuscaloosa to be an attractive and friendly community. My wife and I eagerly anticipate becoming a part of it,” he said.

Pitschmann will replace Dr. Charles Osburn, who will step down in August after 15 years as dean of University Libraries. Osburn plans to remain at UA to continue his career as a writer and professor.

The University of Alabama provides library facilities and services to its faculty, students, staff, and other scholars and information users through a system of discipline- and research-based libraries. The libraries hold more than two million cataloged items including books, periodicals, and microfilm materials. In addition, the libraries contain extensive collections of phonograph records, maps, and manuscripts. The libraries receive a broad selection of periodicals, newspapers, and other serial titles, and serve as the regional depository for United States government publications.