SF State librarian appointed

The newly-appointed university librarian, Deborah Masters, is just finishing her first five days of school, which she said have been exciting, energizing and a little overwhelming. It has been nearly three years since SF State had a university librarian. Now that has changed.

Acting dean of the College of Health and Human Services, William Bond, said one reason for the delay in seeking a new librarian was to identify what qualifications the new university librarian should have with respect to new information technology.

"She has experience working with other libraries as well as having knowledge of new technology, and has had very successful experience as the director of a library," he said. "She comes highly recommended."

Other reasons for the time lapse in hiring include a task force on information technology which tried to resolve relationships between the library, computing center and audio visual center because they had related functions. Another year passed without a university librarian because the candidate declined.

For the past 12 years, Masters worked in several positions in the Gelman Library at George Washington University. She also served there for a little more than two years as the university librarian.

Her dream of being involved in a library environment began when she worked part-time in the periodicals section as a student at Pennsylvania State University.

She said many librarians start working in libraries as students and then get more involved in academic libraries because it is so complex and ever changing. Plus, she said, it is a stimulating environment where you need to learn something every day.

When asked about her motivation for being a librarian, her tone lowered and she slowly explained the benefits of the profession.

"There is a personal satisfaction. It is the work of higher education. It is the work of helping people find information. It's real empowering and I'm involved in an enterprise that I believe in," she said.

She also said the library has a non-profit environment and it is part of a process that is pivotal to society and its future.

"Deborah Masters is one of a very few technology leaders around the country and we are delighted to have her join us as the librarian of the university," SF State President Robert Corrigan said. "I believe she will take a leadership role in taking this campus, and the CSU, into the next generation of information technology. I look forward to working with her as we go through the important changes in the nature of education at San Francisco State University."

In describing her career as a librarian, she touched on the topic of budget cuts and its effect on libraries. She said even though there are cuts, they still make things work because, "We care about the students of the school and we're just committed."

As Masters brings her experience and computer knowledge to SF State, she said she's made her way here because of the diversity here and because the staff, faculty and administrators convey such a positive feeling about the university.

"The diversity on this campus is very congenial and attractive to me," she said. "It is not like other schools. It has its own unique characteristics."English professor Eric Solomon had been the interim university librarian since October, 1992. He said he would aid Masters in any way if she wanted to consult with him about the library or the university, but he will no longer be dealing with library activities.

Solomon said Masters will provide great things for the department."It is the first time in a great many years since we've had a person in charge who is not only a prominent person but understands technical and electronic matters as well as general matters," he said.

Although Masters worked in the library as a student, she received degrees in history and secondary education through a dual degree program. She later went to the University of Pittsburgh and received her master's in library science in 1976.

In addition to being a librarian, Masters is the author of several articles and books surrounding librarian issues, and is an active member of the National American Library Association. She plans to become a member of many California based library organizations.

With an office partially decorated with floral arrangements and paintings from friends wishing her well in her new position,

Masters said her job extends to more than 40 hours a week and she needs to put in the time necessary to do quality work.

Duties of the unversity librarian extend beyond her office.

She said a large part of her work is an exterior role by connecting with deans, faculty and departments on campus.

When she is not pursuing librarian duties, Masters has a very active life apart from school. She is a bridge player and said she loves eating in restaurants of all kinds. She is also attracted to theater and performing arts. She looks forward to attending SF State theater productions.

[ back to Golden Gater Online September 7, 1995 ]

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