Photographer: Ben Wirtz SiegelScott Seaman
Scott H. Seaman, Ohio University’s dean of Libraries since 2008, will be retiring at the end of December.
In this position, he served as dean of one of the top 100+ research libraries in North America and oversaw library operations on Ohio University’s Athens campus, as well as the Hwa-Wei Lee Library Annex on Columbus Road in Athens.
Dean Seaman presided over a library system whose scholarly content shifted from printed materials to digitally produced and distributed materials, and whose central facility — Alden Library — has more visits today than at any other time in its history.
Additionally, Dean Seaman has been instrumental in developing and launching a multi-phase renovation project of Alden Library as well as initiatives designed to provide students access to efficient, accessible and affordable class materials.
“Thanks to Scott’s drive and direction, Ohio University Libraries is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in learning and teaching,” said OHIO President Dr. M. Duane Nellis. “We wish Scott the very best as he enters this next chapter in his life.”
In his time at OHIO Dean Seaman transformed Ohio University Libraries into a hub of student, staff and faculty educational and research activities.
“Dean Seaman’s dedication to our academic community over the past 10 years has been exemplary,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Chaden Djalali. “Under his leadership, Ohio University Libraries has transformed to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and staff. We hope he enjoys retirement and we thank him for his passion and vision.”
Dean Seaman previously worked as associate dean of libraries at University of Colorado Boulder from 1997 to 2008. He began his library career as a bibliographic maintenance specialist at Online Computer Library Center in 1984 and worked for The Ohio State University Libraries from 1988 to 1991.
After earning a bachelor of arts in art and business from Wright State University and a master’s in art history from Ohio State, Dean Seaman earned a master’s in library science from Kent State University.
When asked by the Association of Research Libraries what he looks forward to in retirement, Dean Seaman said, “not having a calendar.”
“I’ve been so calendar-driven over the last 20 years, that will be freedom in and of itself,” he said. “I enjoy skiing and cycling so it will be nice to do more of that. And my family and I will have time to reconnect in ways we simply have not been able to in recent years.”
Dean Seaman’s farewell open house is from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 in the Dean’s Suite on the fifth floor of Alden Library.