In Memoriam, Klaus Musmann

Klaus Musmann, our friend and colleague, passed away on September 26, 2013. Klaus came to the University of Redlands in August 1984, and was the Collection Development and Acquisitions Librarian in the Armacost Library for ten years. In August 1994 he became the Library Director, and remained in that position until December 2001. Klaus was the library’s bon vivant. If you did not know him, these photos should offer a glimpse. He was a scholar and innovator. Klaus studied adoption of technology by libraries and put that interest into action here at Armacost. In the early days of PCs, when we still used a card catalog, Klaus learned how to use database management systems and instituted use of that software for library record-keeping. A few years later, he initiated Armacost’s ongoing access to eBooks with the purchase of a NetLibrary collection when those kinds of packages were first made available to libraries.

In addition to his positions as a Librarian and Library Director, Klaus authored numerous scholarly articles on library science for professional journals as well as several books. Some of his publications include The Helen & Vernon Farquhar collection of California and the great Southwest: a bibliography of books and journals in the Armacost Library of the University of Redlands, The Hawaii/Pacific collection: a selected bibliography of books and periodicals in the Armacost Library, University of Redlands, Diffusion of innovations: a select bibliography compiled by Klaus Musmann and William H. Kennedy, and Technological innovations in libraries, 1860-1960: an anecdotal history. His final book, the first English language translation of Mein Leben - A Social and Political Critique of Life in Eighteenth-century Germany: The Autobiography of Johann Gottfried Seume (1763-1810), was published earlier this year by the Edwin Mellen Press.

Klaus’s former colleagues at the Armacost Library miss him and will always remember his wit and charm.

Obituary from the Redlands Daily Facts, published Sept. 29, 2013.

Klaus Musmann, Ph.D.
June 27, 1935 – Sept. 26, 2013

Klaus Musmann, former director of the Armacost Library at University of Redlands and the Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Library of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, passed away at his home in Beaumont, California, on Thursday, September 26, 2013.

In addition to his positions as a librarian, Klaus authored numerous articles on library science for professional journals as well as several books, one of which was recently published in 2013 and was the result of a six-month sabbatical from Notre Dame de Namur University whereby he travelled in Europe to research and write. He also enjoyed serving on many committees for both universities and was the recipient of several research grants from both institutions. His professional activities are extensive.

The journey of his lifetime began at his birthplace in Magdeburg in the former East Germany; he escaped to West Germany, and in 1957 he came to the United States where, in Michigan, he completed much of his advanced education, eventually arriving in Southern California where he raised his family and earned his Ph.D. In 1986 he married Lois Steele Clapp whom he met while she was engaged in music research at the library at the University of Redlands.
Klaus received his B.A. in German and Geography from Wayne State University in 1962, his M.A. in Library Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1963, his M.A. in Modern German Literature from Michigan State University in East Lansing in 1967, and his Ph.D. in Library and Information Management from the University of Southern California in 1981.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, and children Carlton Musmann and Michelle Musmann, and his grandchildren Christian, Jaron, and Courtney Musmann, and Gianni and Giordon Roque. He was a member of the Fortnightly Club and is remembered for his attention to scholarly detail, his sardonic wit, and his enjoyment of the company of good friends.

A memorial service was held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 419 S. Fourth Street, Redlands, on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 5:00 PM with a reception that followed in the parish hall. Contributions in Klaus's memory may be made payable to Trinity Episcopal Church and designated for "Music”.

Contributors: Bill Kennedy, Les Canterbury, Sandi Richey, Trisha Aurelio, Lori Alaniz and Susan La Rose