University Libraries Spotlight: Tony Stankus

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Tony Stankus

Anyone who knows librarian Tony Stankus will tell you he is a character. Stankus began working for University Libraries in 2007. Born into a refugee family from Lithuania, he grew up "entirely in Yankee foster homes" near Worcester, Massachusetts.

"It's the second largest city in New England," said Stankus, "even though no one ever hears about it!"

Stankus was educated by Irish nuns, who he said mistakenly thought two things.

"One was that I was smart," he said, "and the other was that I would make a fine priest."

Stankus attended Holy Cross, a Jesuit college in Worcester, where his chief claim to fame was that he washed dishes alongside Clarence Thomas, the then-future Supreme Court justice. He graduated summa cum laude.

Originally enrolled in a pre-law program, Stankus decided to shift his focus to becoming a librarian after a mandatory counseling session with the Jesuit priest in charge.

"He said that despite my being characteristically overdressed at all times, I would never make it as a lawyer because I was so obviously a low-class punk," said Stankus. "He then asked me where I was actually happiest."

Stankus responded that he was happiest when studying in the library. After graduation, he received a fellowship from the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his Master of Library Science degree. He then returned to Holy Cross, where he served as a science librarian for over 30 years.

Now, Stankus serves as a life sciences librarian, science coordinator and distinguished professor at the University of Arkansas Libraries. In these roles, he helps faculty and students from a dozen academic departments "get unstuck" by helping them identify published research that advances their studies. He is also the editor-in-chief of Science & Technology Libraries and has been published more than any other librarian in his field.

In his spare time, Stankus writes papers and cheers for the Patriots. He also claims to prove a miracle every Saturday morning:

"If a man for two years goes into a room of 35 highly-motivated women, keeps his mouth shut, and actually pays attention to what they say… he might lose and keep off 45 pounds, just like the other members of WeightWatchers."