About Jack Wiegel: Founder of the Pam Division Retires

Jack Weigel, founder of the Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Division, retired in August from his position in the Shapiro Science Library at the University of Michigan. He arrived at the Univ. of Michigan in 1964 as librarian of the Physics/Astronomy Library and was also in charge of the Mathematics Library which was in another location. At retirement his title was Collection Development Coordinator for the Shapiro Science Library with responsibility for the subject specialties of physics, astronomy and mathematics.

PAM's origin and early history began with astronomy librarians meeting as a part of IFLA in 1964, and then meeting informally at SLA from 1968-1970 (Jack was involved in all of these meetings). In 1972, SLA was held in Boston, with a special meeting of the astronomy librarians at Harvard-Smithsonian. Mathematics librarians also met in Boston for the first time as part of Sci-Tech. Under Jack's leadership, a decision was made to form an SLA division that would include both groups, and also include physics. Jack wrote the petition required by SLA, obtained the required signatures, and thus became the official founder of PAM. He was the first Chairman of PAM, although it was termed "Acting Chairman" since the group did not yet have full Division status. From 1974-1997, Jack was the PAM Archivist, taking care of our records and history.

Rather than reminisce about Jack in my words, let me quote various "oldtime" members of PAM on our distinguished founder.

From David Stern: Jack began visiting baseball parks during SLA Annual Conferences before written history... Jack and David continued the baseball pilgrimages for many years, adding many devotees. Once again, Jack started a trend that eventually became a sponsored SLA activity, with the creation of a Baseball Caucus and official field trips. The early years of serious fanaticism and impressionistic scoring will always live on in the minds of those that attended...unlike the more recent events which will be quickly forgotten due to an excess of libations and distracting camaraderie.

From Chris Bain, 3rd Chair of the PAM Division: ...I have a strong feeling that Jack was the model for me of what a Physics/Astronomy/Mathematics librarian should be, and he, perhaps more than anyone else, got us organized into what I always felt was one of the better sub-groups of SLA as far as accomplishments were concerned. The members owe a lot to Jack for his guidance over the years.

From Pat Molholt, 5th PAM Chair: ...I certainly remember his constant presence and ever ready willingness to help in whatever capacity he was needed.

From Marion Kreiter, retired PAM member: Jack enjoyed visiting zoos, as did I, so we would try to find time to visit the zoo located in each of the SLA cities. (Might this be another trend that Jack and Marion started - a possible SLA Zoo Caucus someday?).

These comments could go on and on, but we do have space limitations. Jack has given us a wonderful example of what a dedicated librarian is, and even after retirement he is going into the library on an occasional basis to help his successor get settled into the job.

We are not the first to honor Jack. From Vol. 2, No. 1 of the PAM Bulletin, Sept. 1974: "Mr. Jack Weigel was honored at the conclusion of the Division's annual business meeting in Toronto on June 12. ... the Division's first Chairman was presented with a testimonial statement signed by the 1973/74 and 1974/75 officers. Much of the planning of meeting times, places, and content, coordination of individual efforts and liaison with extra-divisional personnel in the early history of the P-A-M Division was done by Jack. The framed written testimonial was given as a small way of saying thanks for the application of his talents in many areas of activity toward bringing the Division near full status in SLA."

Our heartfelt thanks go to Jack for his service, dedication and leadership in PAM. We wish our founder a very happy retirement, good health, and hope that he will continue to attend SLA meetings from time to time.

Thank you Jack, and enjoy your retirement.

(See General History Pt.I. Our founder does not give himself enough credit for his role in the formation of PAM in this written history.)

Brenda G. Corbin, Librarian
U.S. Naval Observatory

With thanks to Dorothy Manderscheid and Judy Bausch for providing information and archival materials.

PAM Practices Manual Editor: Kristine Fowler, fowler@math.umn.edu

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Page last updated: August 4, 2004