In Memoriam: Matthew Braun, May 10, 1977 – May 28, 2025

While I think many may have heard by now that LIT-SIS Executive Board member, Matthew Braun, passed away on May 28, I just want to add a short tribute to Matthew, a truly gifted Law Librarian and a gentle and beautiful soul.

Matthew shared his diagnosis with the Board in December, 2024 as he knew it would limit his ability to serve on the Board.  He made clear he knew the struggle in front of him but was also clear that he would continue to serve as best possible.

We last saw Matthew at our March Board meeting and while he still looked fatigued and drawn, he seemed hopeful that he was on the mend.

Although I was not completely surprised, it was with terrific sadness I learned of Matthew’s passing on Monday, June 2 from this post on the Director listserv by Susan deMaine:

Dear friends,

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Matt Braun, Director of the Law Library at St. Louis University (SLU), died of liver cancer last week. Matt was a dedicated law librarian as well as a kind and thoughtful person. He was a leader in MAALL and an engaged member of AALL throughout his time in the profession.  Conversations with Matt were always enjoyable, and he will be missed.

 The message below was sent by the dean at SLU to the SLU community and was shared with MAALL.  Not only do the dean’s words memorialize Matt beautifully, but they are also a testament to the work we all do as law library directors.

Thank you,

Susan

“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our colleague, Professor Matthew Braun, who served as Director of our Law Library. Matt’s wife, Bernadette Braun, informed me that Matt passed away yesterday morning following a courageous battle with liver cancer. Matt shared his battle with all of us earlier in the semester and I share this news with Bernadette’s permission.    

 Matt was an exceptional librarian and director and a devoted member of our academic community. His commitment to excellence in legal scholarship and research support touched students, faculty, and staff throughout his tenure. Matt possessed a rare combination of intellectual rigor and genuine warmth that made him not only an invaluable professional resource but also a trusted colleague.

Matt consistently demonstrated wisdom and foresight in guiding our library’s strategic direction. His expertise in acquisitions, collection development, and institutional stewardship ensured that our library remained a cornerstone of academic excellence. Even during the most challenging conversations, Matt’s optimism and collaborative spirit left me—and all who worked with him—feeling confident that our library’s future was secure under his guidance. Matt was a wonderful thought partner for me, and I will miss him greatly.

Matt’s dedication to others, even in the face of his own adversity, was unwavering. Throughout his illness, he continued to express gratitude for this community’s support and maintained a hopeful outlook. His grace under pressure and commitment to his colleagues exemplified the very best of our institutional mission and values.

 …[P]lease keep Bernadette and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this profound loss.”

And to paraphrase a beautiful posting by Roger Skalbeck, “It’s a sobering and sad feeling to know that I’ve had my last chat with Matthew”.

Here is a link to Matthew’s memorial.  There is a visitation today and his funeral will be tomorrow and for those in the St. Louis area who might have the time, I hope you can attend.

Rest in Peace, Matthew.  You will be much missed.

Submitted by Michael Robak, Chair of LIT-SIS