SALEM — Oregon state police have launched an investigation into a library official who had been selected to be the state’s top librarian.
The Salem Statesman Journal reports that questions about Robert Hulshof-Schmidt’s credentials arose shortly after he was chosen to replace Jim Scheppke, who retired Jan. 1 after 20 years as library chief.
Through emails obtained via a public records request, the newspaper reports that Hulshof-Schmidt was placed on administrative leave in November after questions surfaced about his academic credentials. He abruptly resigned in December.
In the emails, Hulshof-Schmidt corresponds with Scheppke about obtaining a transcript showing he obtained a master’s degree in library science from the University of Washington in the early 1990s.
It’s unclear if Hulshof-Schmidt delivered the transcript.
State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings confirmed the agency is investigating Hulshof-Schmidt but declined to say why.
Hulshof-Schmidt could not be reached for comment.
Sam Hall, chairman of the library’s board of trustees, declined to comment as well.
