Selma Richardson passes away

Selma Richardson

Professor Emerita Selma Richardson passed away on July 10, 2019, in Urbana. An authority on school library media services, Richardson worked in a number of school libraries, including Oak Park and River Forest High School, before joining the University of Illinois in 1974. For over a decade, she was responsible for multiple editions of the American Library Association publication, Magazines for Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Librarians. She was also a historical children's book scholar whose research focused on public library services to children in Illinois. Richardson was an alumna of St. Olaf College, Minnesota, and held advanced degrees, including a PhD, from the University of Michigan.

Pat Mathews (MS '96), recalls Richardson as one of the most influential people in her life.

"After we moved to Illinois, I began taking some graduate classes at the University of Illinois so I could get re-certified in music education with a goal of doing some substitute teaching. Instead of taking music classes, I chose children's literature classes, and Selma was my professor. I thoroughly enjoyed her classes, as she was an engaging teacher and a fascinating person. One afternoon I was passing her office, and she called to me to come in for a chat. She asked about my future plans and suggested that I pursue a master's degree in library science. She basically told me that she thought that I was meant to be a children's librarian and had what it took to do so. At the time I was a busy wife and mother of four active children and was very involved in church, so it seemed like an impossible idea. It wasn't. Two years later, I earned my master's, and later that summer when the new school year began, I was hired as the librarian at Dr. Howard Elementary in Champaign. I was the librarian there for seventeen years and always referred to it as 'the best job in the school' because it was."

An avid and far-reaching traveler, Richardson set foot on all seven continents. She played the flute and sang, and she supported music, education, and the arts in Champaign-Urbana and elsewhere. She belonged to numerous local organizations including the Twin City Garden Club, The Illinois Club, Krannert Art Museum Council, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Marquee Circle, and the University of Illinois Foundation President's Council. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign.

Tags:
Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

Grissom joins admissions and records team

Charlei Grissom joined the iSchool on April 14 as an office support specialist. In her new role, she will provide administrative support to the admissions and records team.

Charlei Grissom

Ellis joins iSchool Career Services

Michelle Ellis joined the iSchool on April 7 as associate director of career services. In her new role, she will deliver career support to undergraduate and graduate students in the School.

Michelle Ellis

iSchool at Illinois ranked number one

The iSchool at Illinois has retained its top spot in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 ranking of graduate schools offering a master's degree in library and information studies. The iSchool has held the number one ranking for nearly three decades.

iSchool Building

Library Trends explores the philosophy of information in issue and webinar

The School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is pleased to announce the publication of Library Trends 73 (1–2). Inspired by the contributions of Marcia Bates, this issue, "Design and the Philosophy of Information," highlights the cultural, social, and philosophical dimensions of information design. Ken Herold served as guest editor. 

Design and the Philosophy of Information

Knox appointed interim dean

Professor Emily Knox has been appointed to serve as interim dean of the School of Information Sciences, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. Until officially approved, her title will be interim dean designate. The appointment will begin April 1, 2025.

Emily Knox