Ron Shank, the longtime publisher of Library Journal and School Library Journal, who later became v-p and group publisher for LJ, SLJ, and Publishers Weekly, died on Saturday. Shank had non-Hodgkins lymphoma and had taken a leave of absence this fall from his position at LJ and SLJ, which are now owned by Media Source.
A well-known figure in the library market, Shank was involved with LJ and SLJ for more than 20 years, based in Nashville, Tenn., but spending much of his time in New York. In October 2007, he was named v-p, group publisher of Reed Business Information's Publishing Group, which included LJ, SLJ, PW, and, at the time, Críticas. When LJ and SLJ were acquired by Media Source earlier this year, Shank also took over as publisher of The Horn Book Magazine and The Horn Book Guide.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 22, at Highland Park Church, located at 5710 Knob Road in Nashville. The visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and the service will begin at 2:00.
