University Park, PA -- For twenty years Jack Edward Pontius (1940–2000) was the University Libraries' liaison to Penn State's College of Communications, formerly the School of Journalism. His premature death, April 5, 2000, left behind deep friendships with colleagues and students he had helped over the years. He also left a legacy with national significance—the Mass Media Article Index, a Web-based index to journals in mass media, originally created for Penn State students and faculty, and now used worldwide.

It indexes more than 40,000 articles on mass media, published from 1984 to April 2003, in more than 60 research journals, as well as major journalism reviews, recent encyclopedias and handbooks in the area of communications studies. Mass Media Articles Index is available online through www.libraries.psu.edu.

In recalling Pontius' development of this database at a time when the Libraries were beginning to look at online services and offerings, Debora Cheney said, "Augmented by his clear grasp of what communications students and faculty needed, Jack's inventiveness intersected advances in information technology at a perfect time."

Pontius came to Penn State in 1972 as a reference librarian. He achieved the academic rank of associate librarian, was named the Libraries Communications Librarian, and was honored with the University Libraries Award. His area of expertise was in communications literature, contemporary and historical newspapers, and micrographics—a document management industry that expanded during the 1980s as digital technologies were developed. He was a leader in the management and creation of the Libraries' microform and current periodical services

He was committed to improving access to information and was responsible for the creation of indices to the Centre Daily Times and the Daily Collegian. He also helped to implement the first databases in LIAS, (the Library Information Access System).

The Libraries recently sold the index to EBSCO—a worldwide leader that is working with key institutions and organizations to create a comprehensive database and provide information access and management solutions through print and electronic information. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, EBSCO employs 4,000 people around the world. In January, it acquired CommSearch, the communication database created and maintained by the National Communication Association (NCA).

Tim Collins, Vice President and Division General Manager for EBSCO commented, "Working with both of these organizations (NCA and Penn State) has been a great experience. We believe strongly that with the help of important individuals such as Jim Gaudino from the NCA and Debora Cheney, Foster Communications Librarian for Penn State, EBSCO will have many of the resources in place to assemble the finest communication/mass media index available to libraries. We look forward to working with other important organizations and publishers to see this goal to fruition."

The Libraries' decision to transfer the index ensures the best possible and ongoing customer services. In addition, the sales agreement guarantees no-cost availability to Penn State. Current Foster Communications Librarian Debora Cheney will serve on an advisory board and will monitor the ongoing service of the index to the academic community.

Monies from the sale of the index will form a foundation for the creation of "The Jack Pontius Collection Endowment in Communication" to honor Pontius' many contributions to the Libraries. The endowment will provide money to purchase books and other libraries materials or information-based products and services related to communications and support the collection activities of the subject bibliographer. A special bookplate will be placed in each book purchased from this endowment and will read—The University Libraries Collections Endowment in Communications in Memory of Jack Pontius.

To get this special project started, an additional $8,000 of private support is needed. If you are interested in honoring Pontius and his dedication to the profession, please contact 814-865-2258.

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Editor's Contact:
Catherine Grigor, 814-865-0401