Susan Shafer (Dieckmann) Brynteson, University of Delaware May Morris Librarian Emerita, died on May 26, 2025, at age 89.
After earning her MLS from the University of Wisconsin Madison, Susan worked in the libraries of University of Wisconsin (later receiving the Distinguished Alumna Award), San Diego State University, Skidmore College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Indiana University Bloomington. Susan capped her career at the University of Delaware (UD), where she served as director of libraries from 1980 until her retirement in 2015.
While at UD Susan oversaw the acquisition of President Joe Biden’s senatorial papers and on one occasion briefly met with Apple’s Steve Jobs to discuss how her library was pioneering online catalog databases. After 35 years at UD, she retired as vice provost and May Morris University Librarian and was appointed May Morris Librarian Emerita. The following year she was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction.
“When I began my role as vice provost for libraries and museums, I reached out to Susan for advice,” said Trevor A. Dawes, UD vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian and ARL past president. “Her response—though I can’t recall her exact words—was essentially, ‘You got this!’ That simple but heartfelt encouragement reflected who Susan was at her core: generous, uplifting, and unwavering in her support of others. She made me feel capable, seen, and valued, especially when it mattered most. Though she is no longer with us, I truly believe her support and spirit remain. I will miss her dearly.”
Susan led the University of Delaware’s application to join the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), which was successful in 1983. During her time as UD’s member rep to ARL, Susan served on a dozen ARL committees, including the 75th Anniversary Program Planning Committee (2006–2007) and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) Steering Committee (1990–1992, 1999–2001).
The writers’ and artists’ retreat Yaddo held a special place in Susan’s heart. She returned to Yaddo every summer as both a guest and a volunteer to help organize and catalog Yaddo’s library. She became a Yaddo director and later was awarded the Special Lifetime Member of the Corporation.
For more information about Susan’s life and legacy, see the UD memorial to her and her obituary. Per Susan’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Memorial donations may be made to Yaddo.
