Stankus to Retire After 16 Years of Service to University Libraries

Kelsey Lovewell Lippard

Tony Stankus

Tony Stankus, life sciences librarian for the University of Arkansas Libraries, is set to retire after 16 years of service. A reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, room 324. The public is welcome to attend and bid Stankus a fond farewell as he embarks on his next adventure. 

"It would be difficult to overstate Tony's contributions to the U of A and to the field of librarianship," said Jason Battles, dean of libraries. "As a distinguished professor, Tony has long demonstrated his research and publishing prowess. It is his kindness and collegiality that stand out to anyone who knows him. He is always excited to help others. Tony's impact will long endure, and we wish him the best in his retirement." 

Born into a refugee family from Lithuania, Stankus grew up near Worcester, Massachusetts. He 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. It was during a mandatory counseling session when a Jesuit priest asked Stankus where he was happiest that he realized he wanted to become a librarian. 

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. In 2007, Stankus joined the University Libraries as a life sciences librarian, science coordinator and distinguished professor. His contributions to science and librarianship are decidedly remarkable. 

Stankus was the world's most published science librarian from 2011-2015, according to a study published in Science and Technology Libraries. The same study showed that the U of A was the most published institution worldwide in the field of science librarianship during that time. 

Stankus joined the Special Libraries Association in 1975 and has held a variety of leadership positions, including chair of the Biomedical and Life Sciences section and membership secretary for the Food, Agriculture and Environmental Research section. During his time with SLA, Stankus has become a Fellow, received a Rose L. Vormelker award and been inducted into the Hall of Fame, completing what members refer to as a "Grand Slam." 

"Tony is a highly regarded, highly decorated librarian with countless awards and accolades," said Adriana Gonzalez, associate dean for research and learning. "We are grateful for his dedication and service to our faculty and students. He has elevated the research profile of the U of A through his own work and the assistance and mentorship he provided to so many. His absence will be felt deeply. We wish him a relaxing and enjoyable retirement."