Michael S. Freeman Information Hub Dedicated
"The best thing a library can be is open."*
This week the recently renovated reference desk area of Magill Library was dedicated to Michael S. Freeman, former Librarian of the College, in honor of his passion and commitment to serving the information needs of the community.
Michael was once quoted in the library literature as saying that "the best thing a library can be is open."1 While in this particular case "open" referred to extended hours, it aptly describes Michael's overall approach to library services. From his arrival at Haverford in 1986 until his passing in 1999, Michael advocated collaborative work among librarians, faculty and students and put in place systems, resources and staff to foster it. Open to technological innovation, he signed Haverford up as one of the first participants in the JSTOR archive. Open to the lessons of the past, he took a keen interest in library history and the history of Tri-College library cooperation in particular and authored a number of articles on the subject. (See bibliography for a full list of works.)
During the last eighteen months, the reference desk area, now called the Michael S. Freeman Information Hub, has undergone a number of changes designed to foster a more collaborative atmosphere between reference librarians and patrons. A more modular and welcoming reference desk has been installed to replace the rather fortress-like former desk. The space has been expanded by removing the bookcases that were jutting out into the room, and five more computer stations and two tables for collaborative work have been added. New armchair seating near the remaining built-in bookcases provides a comfortable spot for reading and perusing the nearby “new books” display and other exhibits.
*Albanese, Andrew Richard (2005). "The best thing a library can be is open." Library Journal 130 (September 15, 2005), no. 15. For more remembrances by colleagues and coworkers, see Lapsansky, Emma. "Michael Stuart Freeman, 1946 - 1999." Library Newsletter (May 1999).
