The San José State University School of Information recently lost one of its valued part-time faculty members when Dr. Robert O. Ellett, Jr., passed away suddenly on January 9, 2013. The School’s faculty, students, and alum are deeply saddened by the news of his untimely death at age 48.

Ellett started teaching in the School’s fully online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program in 2004. He taught beginning and advanced courses in cataloging and organization of information. His colleagues and former students praised him for his passion for teaching and dedication to his students. 

In addition to his role as a lecturer with SJSU School of Information, Ellett was the Catalog Librarian at the Joint Forces Staff College, located in Norfolk, Virginia, since 1989. He also designed several training courses and workshops for local and national library conferences, including serving as an instructor for FEDLINK’s original cataloging and authority control workshops.

“Robert was a dedicated professional, who was enthusiastic about conveying his love for his profession to future librarians,” said Dr. Sandra Hirsh, iSchool director. “His students appreciated his enthusiasm and his humor.  We will miss this esteemed colleague.” 

Ellett received his doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences, and his master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Ellett is survived by his mother and stepfather Margaret and Sam Motley, and his two sisters. Condolences for the family may be posted on the funeral home’s web page.

In addition, the family suggests that donations be made to the Seminary Scholarship Fund at the First Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, in memory of Robert Ellett.