Deb Pearson, head of libraries facilities planning and interim chair for access services, is retiring after 33 years of service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She started with the University Libraries on Oct. 1, 1986 as the circulation librarian.
Pearson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s in library science from the University of Missouri in 1986. She has authored many scholarly publications and given presentations.
Pearson has served on many committees, including the EcoHuskers, the Chancellor’s University Safety Committee and as faculty adviser of the Board of the Nebraska Memorial Unions.
She also helped develop a number of significant projects during her career at Nebraska. From 1999-2001, she helped coordinate the renovation of Love Library South, a major overhaul of the entire building including HVAC systems, new elevators and space reconfiguration. She helped plan the building of the Libraries Depository Retrieval Facility from 2003-2005 and its second module and reading room both added in 2016-2017.
Pearson helped shape the Adele Coryell Hall Learning Commons, which opened in 2016. In the last few years she has been involved in planning the major renovation of the C.Y. Thompson Library building into the new Dinsdale Family Learning Commons, set to open sometime in the spring of 2021. From 2019-2020 Pearson helped plan the relocation of the Architecture Library.
In the more than 30 years at Nebraska, Pearson’s work influenced the growth and vitality of the University Libraries. Students, faculty, staff and colleagues can leave a message for Pearson online.
