Ann Hartness

Who is Ann Hartness?

Ann Hartness is an academic research librarian who was Head Librarian of the University of Texas Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection from 2002 to 2008. The library, established in 1926, is the largest dedicated to Latin America in the United States, and is part of the Perry-Castañeda Library, the country's fifth-largest academic library.

Retired in 2008, Hartness was a member of the first broad generation of women to rise to professional academic leadership positions in the US. Hartness worked for 40 years at UT Austin, beginning as a serials cataloger in 1969. Her assistance has been acknowledged in original research by numerous scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

Hartness’ focus on Brazil and collecting trips there helped make the UT library a global resource for study of that country. In 2003, Brazil named her a Commander of the National Order of the Southern Cross, the highest honor granted by that country to non-Brazilians.

Hartness also directed the United States Library of Congress field office in Brazil in 1989-90.