Berry came to LJ’s attention in 1962 when he won the H. W. Wilson /American Library Association Library Periodical Award for editing Bay State Librarian. He’s also taught at graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh, Simmons College, Pratt Institute in New York, and Louisiana State University. In 1992 he received ALA’s Joseph W. Lippincott Award for distinguished service in the field of librarianship for his “critical eye and voice, his logical and provocative analysis, and his unfailingly honest treatment of our profession.”
“I had originally thought I would go on and on forever,” Berry told American Libraries, “but the timing is appropriate, the company was willing to treat me very well, and it fit in with what’s going on at home. I look forward to the time off, the free time. I’m still teaching in a couple of places. Plus, the fact that I’m 72.”
Asked if he had any words for his reading public, Berry responded, “Thanks for listening and I hope you continue to do so.” He will continue to serve as editor-at-large for LJ and to write his “Blatant Berry” column, as well as occasional reporting and editing.
Posted February 3, 2006; revised February 6, 2006.