Library Mourns the Loss of Part-Time Reference Librarian Michael Lavin
Niagara University Library mourns the loss of part-time reference librarian Michael Lavin, who passed away on June 24, 2017.
Mike earned his Master of Library Science degree from University at Buffalo in 1977 and started working part time at Niagara University Library in September 2004. His friendly nature and many years of experience allowed him to provide excellent reference service to library users, and his lifelong love of comic books made Mike the perfect librarian to help create the Library's graphic novel collection. Niagara University named Mike "Employee of the Month" in October 2008.
Mike was a colleague, teacher, and friend to Niagara University Library's staff. Here are some of their memories:
"When I was in library school, Mike was always one of the librarians that we looked up to as a role model for our profession. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to work alongside of him here at Niagara University Library. He had a wonderful sense of humor as well as a wealth of experience that he was always willing to share. He will always be greatly missed." -Jonathan Coe, Coordinator of Public Services
"Mike always wanted to hear of my traveling adventures. He had always wanted to take his wife to Ireland. I will be thinking of him when I will be there in a few weeks. I will get my husband Ben to have a Guinness for him." -Debbie Farrell, Circulation Department Coordinator
"I first met Mike when I took his Business Information Sources course when I was in library school at UB - he wrote the textbook, too! When he came to work with us at NU, I appreciated his opinions and contributions, and I enjoyed chatting with him. In recent years, I would mostly see him on Thursdays when he was arriving to work and I was leaving. We had a regular greeting that always made us laugh: I would say, "Hi Mike! … Bye Mike!" and then he would update me on the weather." -Samantha Gust, Head of Acquisitions
"I knew Michael for my entire professional life, having taken his course on business librarianship 30 years ago. He was one of the nicest, most dedicated, and professionally generous librarians I knew." -David Schoen, Library Director
"I was fortunate to have taken Mike's Business Information Sources class when I was in library school at UB. He was an excellent teacher and definitely an expert with business information. I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with him at NU over the last 10 years, and he will be missed by many." -Michelle Skiba, Part-Time Reference Librarian
"Mike was a cheerful and engaging colleague. I had many interesting conversations with him about our profession and about our personal lives. He will be greatly missed." -Joseph Umhauer, Assistant Library Director for Technical Services
"Every Thursday, Mike would come into work, and we would have our chats about our families. I will miss those chats." -Kathy Urso, Acquisitions Assistant & Assistant Circulation Department Coordinator
The Celebration of the Eucharist will be offered for the repose of the soul of Michael Lavin at 12:15 p.m. on November 17, 2017 in Alumni Chapel by the Vincentian Fathers at Niagara University.