Gorman ends chapter as library dean

By Carlina Portillo
The Collegian

After nearly 20 years at Fresno State, Dean of Library Services Michael Gorman will say goodbye on Feb. 9 as he embarks on his own new adventures.

Among the many projects under his belt, Gorman has headed such tasks as facilitating the library’s automation, Web services and online database.

“I’ve worked in libraries all my life,” Gorman said. The London native, whose career in libraries began more than five decades ago, has been with Fresno State since 1988. He now plans to move to Chicago with his wife to be closer to their daughter and two of their grandchildren.

For many, retirement is a time of leisure, vacations and maybe a game or two of golf. This will certainly not be the case for Gorman, as he already has two books already in the works. The first book is set to focus on the skill of cataloguing, and the second will discuss Gorman’s desire for the preservation of “the human record.”

Gorman described this vision as a place where institutions of culture converge to create “a new kind of entity.” This entity consists of libraries working with institutions such as museums and art galleries. These places are known as culture houses in London.

Gorman has also written a number of papers on these subjects. “I’ve published maybe eight or 10 books now over the years,” Gorman said. “I enjoy writing.”

In addition to his upcoming books, Gorman also continues to serve on the executive board for the American Library Association. His expertise has taken Gorman all over the world, including Italy, Mexico, United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

In a matter of days, Gorman will depart from Fresno State. Peter McDonald of the Syracuse University Library in New York will succeed him on Feb. 19.

Of McDonald, Gorman said, “I imagine that he will work on integrating the library with the campus in many ways.”

Gorman said he looks forward to the opening of the new library, which is scheduled for late 2008 or early 2009. He is anxious to see the positive impact it will have on the campus as well as its students.

“The library is going to be a fabulous addition,” Gorman said. “If they invite me, I’ll be here for the grand opening.”

Looking back on his many years in the Valley, Gorman commented on Fresno’s diversity. Walking onto a campus where “not everyone is the same color” is something Gorman said people should take pride in. And though the weather here is usually at one extreme or the next, he admits that he will miss it.

“When I go to the farmer’s market on Saturdays, I wonder, ‘Where else am I going to get this stuff? It’s January!’”

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