-- The head librarian at New Jersey Institute of Technology died after he was hit by a car as he walked to work near campus Thursday morning, authorities said.

Richard Sweeney was struck by a Nissan Altima as he crossed the street near Central Avenue and Lock Street around 7:45 a.m., according to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.

Sweeney, 70, of Metuchen, was pronounced dead at 10:45 a.m. at University Hospital, the prosecutor's office said.

The driver, identified only as a female, remained at the scene, Murray said in a statement. No charges have been filed and the investigation was ongoing.

As university librarian, Sweeney was responsible for overseeing the school's Robert W. Van Houten Library and Barbara & Leonard Littman Architecture Library.

In a message to students and staff, NJIT Provost Fadi P. Deek called the death a "tragic accident."

"The university has been in close contact with Richard's family, and we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to them and to his many friends," Deek's message said. "Please keep them in your thoughts in the following days."

Grief counselors were available on campus, Deek added.

Sweeney joined NJIT in 1995, according to the university. He previously worked in Atlantic City, Columbus, Ohio, and Flint, Michigan.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.