Library Director to Retire After 24 Years

Steve LaBash, director of UB's Langsdale Library, will retire in June. LaBash began working for the university in 1984, planning to stay just three years to develop an international information database. He ended up staying for 24 years—as reference librarian, library instructor, head of reference, assistant director, interim director, and then, director.

"When I first came here, we had no computers, we used an overhead projector and card catalog—everything was in print," LaBash said of the technology changes over the years. "I remember our first computer and first e-mail—we thought the 300 baud modem was amazing."

Bob Pool, Law Library faculty liaison for PC support and reference, worked with LaBash during those 24 years. "Steve has a good sense of humor and irreverence-he speaks his mind."

Some things at UB have not changed, LaBash said. "When I was hired, the administration anticipated building a new library—and now, 24 years later, we still do not have it."

When LaBash first came to UB, "The biggest issue at that time was parking," he said. "24 years later, the biggest issue is parking!" Regardless of campus issues, camaraderie and hard work at Langsdale have been constant over the years.

"The library staff has always been extremely dedicated to serving the UB community—that has not changed over the years," said LaBash, who was a driving force behind the library's development of online resources, classroom instruction and expansion of reference desk support for student research.

Reflecting on the rising cost of a college education over the years, LaBash said, "I hope people can find a way to make higher education financially accessible again. When I went to university, as a working-class kid, I could afford it, and there was no doubt we could get jobs when we got out. We need to get back to that role of higher education."

LaBash's dedication to education and community development will continue beyond his years at UB.

He will continue to live in Maryland, working with Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Also, he plans to drive across the country to the Pacific Northwest.

"I made this same cross-country drive 15 years ago.," LaBash said. "I love to travel. I do not take interstates; I only use state and country roads."

In July, former associate director Lucy Holman Rector will become the new library director.

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paul.chandler@ubalt.edu

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