Debbie Campana Retires

September 25, 2022

Deborah A. Campana, Head of the Conservatory Library at Oberlin College & Conservatory for the past 24 years, retired in June 2022. During her tenure at Oberlin, Campana championed the development of the Conservatory Library’s world-class collection and spaces, maintaining the Library’s excellence and bringing in major gifts, including the James R. and Susan Neumann Jazz Collection and the Milton J. and Mona C. Hinton Collection. Dr. Campana also improved Library spaces, expanding the Conservatory Library with a second floor in the year 2000, and securing a home for the Conservatory Special Collections in the Kohl Jazz Studies Building.

In the wider profession Dr. Campana was a leader, serving on the boards of the Music Library Association, the International Association of Music Libraries-US (IAML-US), and the American Music Center/New Music USA. As chair of the MLA Publications Committee, she represents that body on the advisory panel to Grove Music Online. She has served as co-editor of the MLA Basic Manual Series and has been the much-admired editor of the MLA Notes column for many years.

Dr. Campana earned her library science degree at the University of Chicago and completed a PhD in Music Theory at Northwestern University. At Northwestern, she served as public services librarian at the music library for 12 years as well as acting head of the music library, assistant dean for undergraduate studies, and lecturer in musicology. Her Oberlin colleagues will miss her and hope that she will be a continued presence at MLA and IAML while enjoying having more time to pursue her passions for photography and painting.