Dr. Diane Ledbetter Barlow, MLS, Class of 1975
Dr. Diane L. Barlow, who passed February 6, 2018, was a monumental figure in the history of the University of Maryland College of Information Studies (iSchool). Diane was a part of the iSchool almost continually from 1975 through 2017 as a student, faculty, staff, dean, and mentor.
Dr. Diane L. Barlow, who passed February 6, 2018, was a monumental figure in the history of the University of Maryland College of Information Studies (iSchool). Diane was a part of the iSchool almost continually from 1975 through 2017 as a student, faculty, staff, dean, and mentor. Diane began her lifelong relationship with the iSchool as a graduate student in 1975, receiving her master’s degree in Library and Information Services in 1976. She returned to the iSchool as a doctoral student studying children’s literature, receiving her PhD in Library and Information Studies in 1989. Diane’s love of literature and libraries, and particularly of fostering connections among librarians, would continue to be a passion throughout her life.
Diane’s dedication to the field of information science led her directly into a leadership position at the iSchool in 1990 as the Director of Student Services, where for five years she adeptly led teams and brought advancement to the iSchool. From 1995 through 2016, she then served as Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, and Special Assistant to the Dean consecutively, retiring in 2016. Throughout these roles, Diane continued her championship of growth and advancement for the iSchool, which directly shaped what the college has become today – a top ten ranked information science school and nationally recognized public research institution.
Diane’s dedication to advancing and connecting the library community extended well outside the walls of the iSchool. She was actively involved in the American Library Association, Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), Maryland Library Association, and Institute for Museum and Library Services. Her service to these organizations spanned over twenty years and ranged from committee and review work to serving on the Executive Board. Diane also served as Executive Director of the Citizen for Maryland Libraries from 2011 to 2017. She was known for her unrelenting dedication to this organization and to all Maryland libraries. Click here to learn more about Dr. Diane Barlow’s legacy.