Alan P. Pollard, 86, of Cambridge, MA, died Monday, May 26, 2025, after a brief illness. Alan was born in Boston on April 18, 1939, the son of the late David and Rebecca Pollard of Boston.
After preparing at Boston Latin School, Alan received his A.B. degree magna cum laude, concentrating in history and literature, from Harvard College, where he was a member of Dudley House and the Class of 1960. Subsequently, Alan received his M.A. (1961) and Ph.D. (1968) degrees from the University of California-Berkeley, and his M.L.S. (1973) degree from the University of Rhode Island.
From 1966 to 1971, Alan taught history at Indiana University. In 1971, he became a member of the history department faculty at Rhode Island College (R.I.C.) and reference librarian in R.I.C.'s Adams Library from 1979 to 1986, with his library assignment formalized in 1984 by a joint appointment as associate professor of history and library. From 1986 through 1991, Alan held the position of Slavic bibliographer at Princeton University, which enabled him to combine two key areas of his expertise, Slavic scholarship and academic librarianship. In 1991, he joined the University of Michigan faculty as head of the Slavic and East European Division and librarian in the University Library. Alan retired from that role in 2004, receiving the title of librarian emeritus. Alan was especially proud of the acquisition of a comprehensive collection of Armenian books for which he was solely responsible. At Princeton and the University of Michigan, Alan was considered a unique hire, as he came from an academic background in addition to possessing library science credentials.
Fluent in Russian and Polish and proficient in French, German and Latin, Alan spent time in Eastern Europe, Finland and the Soviet Union. During the course of his career, he published numerous, widely cited works of research, as well as reference works. He served two terms as chair of the Association of College and Research Libraries Slavic and East European Section and also served on the executive board of the Bibliography and Documentation Committee of the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies.
After retiring, Alan and his wife, Sarah, relocated to Massachusetts and enjoyed helping to raise their grandchildren. Besides his loving wife, Alan leaves his son, Daniel Pollard (and wife, Carolyn Hann) of Falls Church, VA, and stepsons, Stefan Economou (and wife, Ruth, and their children, Elise and Lucas) of Cambridge, MA and Peter Economou (and wife, Susan) of Charleston, WV. As the youngest of five siblings, all of whom predeceased him, Alan had numerous nieces and nephews who were close to him. Alan’s second son, John Pollard of Westerly, RI, also predeceased him.
Alan was an exceptional human being by virtue of his loving nature, extraordinary mind, and sharp wit.His joke-telling, card-playing, and dancing skills must also be noted. He will be sorely missed.
Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the West End Museum, 150 Staniford St, Suite 7; Boston, MA 02114-2511. A memorial service may be held at a later date.
