Russell, Harold Garfield

Harold Garfield Russell was an Assistant Director of University of Minnesota libraries.

Harold G. Russell, Bachelor’s Degree, Hobart College; professional degree, New York State Library School (1917). Head, Circulation Department (1919-1921); Head, Acquisitions Department (1921-1932); Instructor and Assistant Professor (1924-1944); Chief Reference Librarian (1932-1952); Associate Professor (1944-1956); Assistant Director of Libraries (1952-1956); University of Minnesota Libraries.

Harold Russell was born November 5, 1889 in Potsdam, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree from Hobart College and a professional degree in library science in 1917 from the New York State Library School. Following an appointment as an assistant in the New York State Library and service in the military, Professor Russell was named head of the circulation department in 1919 at the University of Minnesota Libraries. He was named head of acquisitions in 1921 and in 1932 became the University Libraries’ chief reference librarian. In 1952, he was appointed Assistant Director of Libraries with responsibility for collections and bibliographic services, a position he held until his death in 1956.

In 1924, Professor Russell began teaching library science at the University in addition to his professional and administrative duties for University Libraries. He served as an instructor and assistant professor from 1924 to 1944, at which time he was appointed associate professor in the Division of Library Instruction.

Professor Russell was active in several national and local professional organizations. He served on the American Library Association’s Council (governing body), Membership Committee, and Nominating Committee. He was chair of the Association’s committee to revise the interlibrary loan code (1939-1940). And he chaired the Committee on Needed Reference Tools of the Association of College and Research Libraries. Professor Russell was an active member of the Minnesota Library Association, serving as the first chair of its Reference Section, and he served as president of the Twin City Library Club.

Harold Russell died April 24, 1956 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.