The trustees of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh have selected Herbert Elish, chairman of the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, as library director effective January 4, 1999. He will fill the position vacated by Robert Croneberger, who died in February.
Elish does not have a library degree but he has a wide variety of managerial experience, including eight years as CEO of the Weirton (W. Va.) Steel Corporation. Library President Ellsworth Brown told the December 2 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that it was "fitting that a man who worked to save a struggling steel company and town would lead a library founded by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie."
When asked by American Libraries whether his lack of library experience will be a drawback, Elish answered, "In my career I have gone into situations where I did not have a deep, functional knowledge, and I have been successful in drawing upon the wisdom of the organization." He added, "The judgment will be in the results."
Posted December 7, 1998.