Library Veteran Retires with 23 Years Service

     After spending more than three decades surrounded by books, Bernard Conway finally has the time to catch up on his reading.

     Conway retired from WVU Libraries this spring bringing the final chapter of a 33-year career to a close. Twenty-three of those years were spent in service at WVU.

     After accomplishing his immediate plans of visiting family and traveling with his wife, Kathryn, he plans to settle in at home and take on a very flexible to-do list.

      "I have things I want to do around the house. I want to work with some friends, help them do various things. And I want to learn many things, too," Conway said.

     "I want to do some reading and work on the outside. I'll be kept active. I'm not going to become a couch potato."

     A sedentary life has never been a practice of Conway.

     He earned his bachelors degree in philosophy from Immaculate Conception Seminary and then immediately pursued his masters in library science from the University of Pittsburgh.

     In 1969, his first job in libraries took him to the University of Dayton, where he worked as a reference/government documents librarian.

He then accepted the position of head of acquisitions at Xavier University in 1974. While there, he received his masters in education.      Finally, he came to WVU in July 1979 and spent the majority of the time as head of acquisitions.      "I've enjoyed being a librarian for the past 33 years. It's an interesting field," Conway said.      The awe that initially attracted him to working in a library has yet to wear off.

Bernard Conway bid farewell to WVU Libraries this spring. He is flanked by Allyson McKee, director of acquisitions and Frances O'Brien, libraries dean.

     He's still amazed by the power librarians wield. He views librarians as caretakers of knowledge who hold the responsibility of leading people to the information they need.

     "I've always found it fascinating that when you help somebody - give them the information they need - you can see the sense of pleasure in their face,' " Conway said. "They think to themselves, 'How were you able to do this with the little information I gave you.' "

     Another side of his time at WVU that Conway will miss is the people who surrounded him.

     Lunch won't be the same for Chuck Burkart, head of Media Services, and John Cuthbert, curator for the West Virginia and Regional History Collection. The three regularly shared stories and quips over sandwiches.

     "Bernie is always cheerful. He always looks on the good side of life," Burkart said. "He's someone who's hard to get down. You can't shake him."

     Cuthbert agreed.

     "With Bernie Conway's retirement, the WVU Libraries loses a perpetually cheerful face and a universal friend. Our lives will all be the poorer for it," Cuthbert said.

     Feelings are mutual. Conway said several co-workers, many who have already retired, played important roles in his life and each left an indelible mark on his life.

     "I'd like to say thank you to all of them. They have been kind and have helped me in my career," Conway said. "I've learned a lot from them. I'm very grateful for them."

     Bernie and Kathryn have two daughters, Stephanie and James Connolly, of Elkins, and Bridget and Brian Washburn, of Ohio, and granddaughter, Brianna Washburn.

Ex Libris is published quarterly by the WVU Libraries
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