In Memoriam – Clifford Lynch
The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) mourns the passing of Clifford Lynch, who died in April 2025. A visionary leader, scholar, and mentor, Clifford's profound influence on the field of information science spanned decades and left an indelible mark on our community.
Clifford served as ASIS&T President in 1996 and was honored with the Association's highest accolade, the Award of Merit, in 2008. In presenting the award, ASIS&T recognized him as "a prodigious analyst and writer" and "an accessible colleague, teacher, and mentor." His ability to distill complex issues into clear insights made him a guiding voice in our evolving field.
As Executive Director of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) since 1997, Clifford championed initiatives in digital preservation, scholarly communication, and information policy. His leadership helped shape the infrastructure of digital scholarship and fostered collaboration across institutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Clifford was a dedicated educator and mentor. At the University of California, Berkeley, he co-led the Information Access Seminar for over three decades, inspiring countless students and colleagues.
Clifford's legacy is one of intellectual rigor, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of information science. His contributions will continue to influence and inspire future generations.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work.