Bidlack, Russell E. (Russell Eugene), 1920-

Dean of the School of Library Science at the University of Michigan; historian of libraries and local Ann Arbor history.

University of Michigan professor, local historian, collector of local historical materials.

Russell Bidlack was born on May 25, 1920 near Manilla, Iowa. He obtained his bachelor degree in English from Simpson College in 1947. Subsequently, he received a master degree in history in 1950, and a doctorate in library science in 1954, both from the University of Michigan. He spent his entire academic career with the Department of Library Science at the University of Michigan, which elevated him to the rank of full professor in 1965. In 1967, Bidlack became acting chairman of the department. He then oversaw the transition as the department became a separate academic unit within the university. In 1969, Bidlack was appointed the first dean of the new School of Library Science. He retired from this position in 1984. His retirement years were busy with his research, lecturing and writings about Ann Arbor history and genealogy (notably his Sparks Quarterly newsletter). Dean Bidlack died September 18, 2003.

Bidlack wrote extensively on topics in the field of library science. He was also an expert on library accreditation, helping to write a set of standards, and serving for many years as the chair of the American Library Association's committee on accreditation.