UA benefactor Pauline Franks’ estate gift assists University Libraries

Ms. Franks passed away earlier this year. Her estate recently made a gift of more than $30,000 to support University Libraries, funds which will establish a more student-centered, inviting space for Bierce Library’s recently relocated Media Services unit.  Ms. Franks, who retired from UA in 1983 as University Librarian, was instrumental in securing a large collection of spoken word and music recordings for the library, essentially establishing its first media collection. Colleagues who knew Ms. Franks say she would enjoy knowing that her charitable contribution will be used to enhance media services.

Ms. Franks joined UA in 1950 as an Instructor of Bibliography and later held posts including Assistant Director for Public Service and Associate University Librarian. She saw seismic changes occur in library sciences during the 1960s and 1970s. Present at the 1973 opening of Bierce Library, Ms. Franks was involved in the automaton of the library cataloging system. She also was active in the introduction of librarian-mediated online searching of commercial databases.

“Gifts such as this provide us with opportunities to add value to the services and collections we deliver to students, and the flexibility to be innovative in how we invite students to engage with the library,” says Dr. Aimee DeChambeau, Dean of University Libraries.

Ms. Franks’ generosity will favorably impact students for many years. For others interested in learning about gift & estate planning options, contact Carolyn Mehl, Executive Director, Gift & Estate Planning at (330) 972-7173 or cmehl1@uakron.edu