[Information about Locke’s memorial fund has been added at the bottom of this post.]
Locke was Head of Collections, Reference & Research here at Gleeson Library, and his impact has been widely felt, both professionally and personally. The character and service of the Library’s Reference Department as it exists today is largely due to Locke’s thoughtful guidance, and the tireless example he set as a teacher, researcher, and mentor.
Outside of the Library, the USF community who surely most felt Locke’s presence—and consequently will most feel his absence—are the Nursing faculty and thousands of nursing students, past and present, to whom Locke was a devoted teacher.
Locke’s activities were prodigious. He mentored a generation of SJSU library school students with internships at Gleeson; was deeply committed to the library profession, holding positions at the local and national levels; published articles like “Ethical Issues in Collection Development”; responded to email reference questions at all hours of the night. The list goes on.
“Tireless” is a term frequently used to describe Locke, but I think it was instead his devotion that was tireless. Towards the end he was certainly feeling tired and weak; nonetheless, seeing a last teaching opportunity, he held a home session at his bedside for a group of medical students and their teacher to discuss doctor-patient relationships and bedside manner.That is a characteristic example of Locke’s tireless devotion to others.
We invite you to share your thoughts about and experiences with Locke in the comments section below.
Memorial Fund
At Locke’s request, a fund has been established at the University of San Francisco to support Library collections. Checks can be made payable to The University of San Francisco Library, indicating on the memo line, “In Memory of Locke Morrisey.”
Mail to:
Tyrone Cannon
University Library Dean
Gleeson Library | Geschke Center
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Randy, thank you for this wonderful tribute to Locke, a lovely, lovely man. I will miss him forever.
This is truly terrible news. Locke was a profound influence on me during my internship at USF, as I’m sure he was for countless others. My career – my life – would not have taken the direction it did if it weren’t for the way he inspired my interest in academic librarianship, reference and especially instruction.
That I work now in a profession that I love using the skills he helped teach me is a part of the debt that I owe Locke. I am only one of the many interns he tutored during his tenure at USF.
Rest in peace, Locke.
Today I have lost a great friend in Locke Morrisey. This is how I remember him.
This summer Locke, his mother and I were watching a college football game and we wondered when we had first met. I think it was soon after we both came to the UCs as librarians, I started at UCSB in August of 89 and Locke came the following year to UCI.
He reminded me that evening during half-time that at one of our early meetings, at a LAUC Assembly, (the Librarians Association of the University of California) when he was running for president I had told him I was voting for the “other candidate.” I don’t recall that incident but I have been known to commit other acts of insolence, and this was probably not the first time.
During the 1990s we met at other LAUC meetings and probably an ALA conference as well. But we started to become close friends in mid 1996 when Locke was appointed chair the Cultural Diversity Committee, which had issued the report “Many Voices of Diversity” but had failed to address sexual orientation issues. The original report had taken more than 5 years to write and within 3 months the new Committee had completed the companion report. Actually, Locke wrote it, and the rest of us probably noted a dangling modifier here and there.
I moved to San Francisco later that Fall and the following year Locke also moved up to City to work at the University of San Francisco. Not long after that, we started meeting for dinners several times a year to exchange information. We never considered it gossip. After all, we were librarians and needed to be informed in case someone asked! At least that’s what we said to his partner Al Yeh, who would join us on and off and from time to time we clarified who was who and what we meant by: “metadata,” “MARC fields,” “online this,” “electronic that”. Al, I am sorry we tortured you.
Around this time we started to become ALA roommates. He always had an eye for great hotel deals. One winter we ended up at great location in Boston, it was frigid, but he had booked us a room right at the convention center hotel, in the middle of it all: shopping, food, ALA meetings, etc. Another time in Seattle we had spectacular views of the downtown skyscrapers from the 25th floor. Once in a blue moon he would strike out, like a winter in Denver when we were way out, but it was so cheap that we ended up paying about $30 per night!
One summer there were 3 of us in small room at Anaheim. It was hot, really hot, and it was after all Anaheim, so that cubicle only one block away from the Convention Center earned him thousands of stars.
Earlier this June he sent me an email via Facebook saying he was going into surgery. In fact, I was in Facebook because early on he had recognized the importance of social networks. It just took me 6 months to accept his invitation, he reminded me once. I thought it would be nothing out ordinary. We had recently been inducted into the AARP, so it could not be serious. Sure, I had high cholesterol at 40 and cataracts at 50 and Locke had some minor health issues, but we were the AARP’s youth brigade and it was too soon for any other ailments.
After he got out the hospital I visited him a few times, some he was more alert than others, but always in good spirits, even when he was probably in lots of pain. I remember 2 wonderful Saturdays when we enjoyed a football game. His 79 year old mother explained to me what “1st and 10” meant After 30 years of watching that annoying and mysterious little detail on TV, it finally made perfect sense!
We watched my alma mater, Wisconsin, score a big win. She and Locke even cheered for Stanford another evening. I think by then she had started knitting me a red hat with a big white “S.” Locke already had his gold and blue hat and I promised to wear mine for one of the New Year’s Day bowl games if Stanford made it that far.
Those are 2 of the fondest memories I have of Locke, laughing away during a ball game, the way he and his partner Al had enjoyed UCLA, Berkeley and Stanford games live and in living color. One of those nights Al called from DC, it was already cold over there but in Foster City we were still enjoying late summer weather.
Today, our profession is lacking a big advocate for diversity, we have all lost a great friend, and our worlds are less fortunate not to have such a caring soul.
May choirs angels gallantly dressed with gold and blue colors await him in paradise.
I never was officially introduced to Locke but as a relative newbie in NAHRS his sage advice on the Listserv was always enlightening. He will be missed by his NAHRS colleagues. I find this tribute very appropriate and moving.
Beautiful and moving tribute to my uncle Locke. We will all miss him dearly
Adan you are very enjoyable in print as you are in person. So glad I could contribute to your football knowlege and to keeping your head warm. Our times with Locke were fun and uplifting. Thank you for being our friend.
I’ve known Locke since 1991. At the time we were engineering librarian colleagues – he was at UCI and I was at Stanford. I always admired his enthusiasm and positive attitude. After he moved to USF, he still kept in touch and at one point we offered him the position of Head Librarian in the Stanford Engineering Library. I’ve wondered how life there would have been different if he’d accepted our offer – most likely an improved working environment. Locke was so thoughtful and kept in touch even after I retired. One of the first people to friend me on Facebook! I’m so sad tonight to think of the world without his warmth and smile. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
I’m just saddened beyond words to have learned of my friend’s passing…Locke was ONE OF THE FEW (and I mean few) librarians to welcome me to the West Coast…He made me feel welcome and was willing to share professional “tidbits” and basic “what’s,” “where’s.” and “how-to’s” that are essential to any relocated professional. Not only was he just open and willing to take on a helping out a virtual stranger, he opened up his home to me and invited me to tour his beloved San Francisco. And when I needed assistance in getting much needed information for a national program I was coordinating, Locke was the FIRST OUT OF THE MANY I ASKED who offered any real assistance.
Oh, how I will miss him, his laughter, his honesty and his eternal good nature!
What I learned from Locke had little to do with librarianship. He was at every conference I ever attended, and always ready to encourage his colleagues to work hard and then PLAY. He once refused to let me back out of a karaoke contest by saying, “stuff like this is important to do.” That’s echoed in my head ever since. He was warning me not to take myself too seriously; it isn’t fulfilling and not nearly enough fun. Thank you Locke. You will be missed.
Melanie, his sister, said it best,”The world has lost a great man.” Locke was larger than life. He seemed to make time for everyone. He was serious and he was fun-loving. He was so smart it was almost intimidating. He was ahead of the curve in professional knowledge and up-to-date with opinions on all the issues. He was genuine and open. When he moved to USF he told me that becoming a supervisor had been very challenging for him. But the next time we talked, he had it in stride and was enjoying the role. I always felt it was a privilege to be in his presence, to be exposed to his mind and ideas. Locke galvanized people into action. He accomplished much, and he fought for equality and justice. We’ve lost a tremendous human being. We were graced with his life for too short a time.
Rest in peace, Locke; you did well while you were here.
Locke, you were one of the first people I met in the library world; and you always shared sage advice, humorous tips, and warm guidance along the way. I’ll never forget the cupcakes we shared at SCELC Vendor Day! We were in a session, and you were making a serious, intelligent comment with frosting on your lips- we giggled about it afterwards. “Death comes to all,” wrote Emerson, “but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.” And you, my friend, have achieved more in one lifetime than many do. Thank you for smiling my way.
Although I have met Locke several times over the years, I mostly know him for his knowledgeable, helpful tips on the NAHRS listserv. It was always pleasure to read what Locke had to say.
At ALA Annual in 2009 I showed up in the middle of my chemotherapy. Locke was there for me with advice and help on how to do conference. His knowledge and example showed me that I could find the strength maintain my work, school, and other commitments through my battle.
I wish him piece and congratulate him on a fight well fought.
A great tribute to him. I will always remember his great sense of humor and deep caring for people.
My dearest Locke ~ what can I say, but how much I cherish our love for one another during the past 12 years. You were my partner, soulmate & best friend. I don’t know how I am going to go on without you…until we meet again…your “Lil Po”
Locke was such an excellent influence on me with my career. When I went from a research institute to a hospital and joined NAHRS he provided me valuable information on how to work with nurses at the hospital. He told me to connect and promote the library services and to not “sit in my office.” It was great advice and I can say I’m probably working as a Clinical Medical Librarian because of that encouragement. He was always there when I had a question. I will miss you Locke!
I am so very sorry. What a terrible loss to his friends and colleagues.
Randy, thank you for such a lovely remembrance of Locke. I didn’t know him well, but he still took time to talk with me when I first became active in library promotion.
This posting captures Locke so well. He will be missed for his laughter, tenacity, commitment, intellect, and – especially – the friendship he offered to everyone.
From all of us on the ACRL Board – we cherish our memories of you!
Locke was a charming and gracious man. I met Locke through ACRL Chapters when he was Chapters President. I was new to ALA. He mentored me through several conferences and inspired me to become active in the organization. He will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched.
This gives me great sadness. Locke was an amazing mentor to me. When I started the ACRL Health Science Interest Group without much ACRL experience (or librarianship experience for that matter), Locke was was an enormous help. His mentorship with the group and with health science and academic librarianship in general will always be remembered and appreciated. I always looked forward to seeing him at conferences and exchanging emails through out the year. Last summer at ALA Annual, I was lucky enough to meet his partner Al. To Al and all of Locke’s family, please know that Locke was an amazing man who truly touched my life and the lives of many others.
-Carissa Tomlinson
Emerging Technologies Librarian
Towson University
I met Locke years ago at an ACRL Chapters’ Council meeting and liked him immediately. I so enjoyed serving with him later on the ACRL Board. At annual meeting in DC this year he organized a wonderful tour of the Pentagon. It was a pleasure to walk all those long halls with him. His dedication to his work as ACRL’s ALA Councilor was amazing. He will be missed.
I “met” Locke through Facebook — I thought “Who is this guy with all the great posts on my friends updates? Why are we not friends?” Somehow our paths had never crossed at MLA or ALA but the magic of Facebook brought us together. He was just as kind to me as if we were real world friends. Naysayers of Facebook friendships beware, I think Locke was proof a virtual friendship can be very important.
I’ll miss you Locke,
Lynne Fox
Education Librarian
Health Sciences Library, UC Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
Locke left UCI for USF not long after I had become his colleague down south, so I never had an opportunity to know him well. Nevertheless, I admired pretty much everything he said and did (he was a particularly impressive force in LAUC meetings), and it was an enormous loss to UCI when he migrated north. I’m sure there’s much sorrow at UCI today, as there is in so many other places. Indeed, a warm and wonderful man.
What a wonderful memorial. I’m so sorry not to have had the chance to work with Locke. He was an ever-present face of ACRL to me over the last few years, and I greatly respected his hard work and dedication to his fellow librarians.
Although I haven’t known long Locke for as many years as others have, I met him on the ACRL Board where – as our Councilor – he provided extraordinary representation for us to Council and for Council to us. No small task!
I quickly learned that at ACRL Board – and, of course, at any gathering, I wanted to sit next to him where we could exchange information or (at the very least) sit where I could SEE him and we could exchange glances and telepathic funny comments. In fact – and don’t tell Mary Ellen – once maybe, okay twice, after my Board service we would chat about Board issues during Board…him in Chicago, me in Austin…of course, he was only asking for clarification on past Board issues….
This was because – of course – he was a friend but also because he was one of the wittiest people I knew. I found him gifted verbally/face to face, or in chat mode or even with the very fewest words – Twittering or IM’ing me about the world around him from any and all airports, Las Vegas, or SF/out to dinner or from ALA. We shared a wickedness to our humor but Locke was always – underneath our “bitter with baggage” comments, kind and forgiving….as evidenced by what he said but also the little treats he would bring me…Tab memorabilia, a cowboy boot keychain…
For the past five years we had lunches, dinners and many phone calls, had planned to meet in Vegas, and planned for him to visit back to Austin for a UT game this last fall. When we realized these things were not to be, we chatted instead – in the beginning daily, then fewer times a week as he tired and simply – I think – did not want to burden those around him with his situation.
I will forever miss his OMG beginnings to chats and his wise and funny take on life. He was smart and had a wonderful tolerance for the most diverse opinions and ideas…to say he will be missed is an understatement, but I am so incredibly glad he was my friend and colleague.
Julie Todaro
I was privileged to serve with Locke on the ACRL Board. I knew him by reputation up to that point, but fortunately for me, I got to know him in person, during our tenure on the Board. He was, as his reputation suggested, quite a guy…..true to his word, true to his beliefs. If the measure of a man’s life is his integrity, his dedication to others and his graciousness, Locke’s life, though short, was incredibly full. And, with all of that, he had a wonderful sense of humor and an incredible, infectious smile. He will be missed by colleagues and friends alike. I’m sure he is with the angels, smiling down on us all.
I first got to know Locke when he was at UCI and our paths crossed many times over the years. It was always a joy to “catch up” with him. I am saddened by his death and send condolences to his family and friends.
when I was a new faculty member, Locke was very helpful in terms of navigating me around the reference area. I would tell my students to seek him out if they needed assistance. A good, really good guy.
I met Locke through the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Virtual Reference Service (I’m from Holy Cross). We served on the implementation committee together in 2004. I took an immediate liking to him through his emails and then met him in person at USF at a mini conference and then at a few National conferences through the years. It was great to meet someone who didn’t feel they had to dress in a suit at these conferences to be taken seriously as a knolwedgeable and consummate professional–with a great sense of humor. While I really didn’t know him well, I was enormously saddened to hear this news today.
Patty Porcaro
Like Patty, I also got to know Locke through the AJCU Virtual Reference Service. His great sense of humor and his professionalism endeared me to him immediately. His passing is a huge loss. My condolences to Al, Locke’s family, and his colleagues at USF.
I’m very sad to hear of Locke’s passing. He was a lovely man and a great friend of the LBGT librarian community.
Locke was a wonderful human being and an inspiring role model for librarians. He will be missed.
What a loss to the library community! As with many others, I got to know Locke through ACRL, particularly his service on the board. He was a passionate, strong and vocal advocate for our users, particularly for the underserved and for diverse, multicultural patrons and librarians. I valued his professionalism immediately and, over time, his friendship. Locke was also just a down right fun person–great sense of humor and enjoyed “dishing” about library politics over a meal. I will miss him greatly.
Hello Gleeson. Thank you Locke for letting me sit on library classes, and for first alerting me to the job I now have. I know your following of SJSU graduates is strong. I once asked Locke who his favorite librarian is. He said he was honored to know Louise Darling, who died in 1999, and for whom the Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library at UCLA is named. Now we get to say we were honored to know him. Good-bye and thank you. Karen
Locke is an inspiration to many, especially to me. I first met him at the California Academic and Research Library conference in Asilomar. Before meeting him, I already heard many positive comments about him, such as his generosity in helping junior librarians, sharing his knowledge in the field of business librarianship. He wrote a very strong letter to support my tenure and promotion. This letter is in my dossier and will be a reminder on how to be a good academic librarian just like him.
We later met several times at the ALA Council meetings when I was elected in 2009. Again he led me the way in the Council.
Thank you Locke for being such a wonderful colleague and role model.
You will be deeply missed.
Diana
SJSU Library
Locke was a wonderful colleague, a kind man with a great sense of humor, and an inspiration to us all. I will miss him.
When Locke spoke at ALA Council meetings, I always listened paid particular attention. He was wise, insightful, logical, and helpful. I am saddened by his death but warmed by my memories of him.
I don’t remember the exact words, but I do remember how incredulous and disgusted Locke was when he found out I,
a fellow Bruin alum, had never been to a UCLA sporting event. In his true spirit, he got two tickets to the UCLA-SDSU
football game and off we went to the Rose Bowl. UCLA won that game. Thanks, Locke.
Locke was a consummate library professional and was one of the best ACRL Councilors we’ve ever had. AND, he was one of the greatest guys I have known. He had such a calming affect of everyone (and some of us needed his “calm” at times. He will be truly missed.
AL – Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, but I know that Locke’s love for you had to be one of the strongest loves around. Please let his mom know how many folks loved him.
ADAN – your posting was heart-warming and funny. You have truly lost a good friend. I only wished I had known him like you did. Thanks for being their for him, his mom, and Al.
CAMILA
Locke was a kind, helpful colleague, and a great librarian. His observations were always spot on. He will be missed.
Locke always had a smile and great wit when he entered a room. When I was new to the profession, he made me feel so welcome. I remember getting excited when I would see his name on publications and then on the ALA/ACRL ballot, thinking “I know that man, and he is great!”
Locke you will be missed but your impact will not be forgotten.
Thank you.
Locke was a fantastic librarian. We didn’t work together often, but every time I spoke with him, I came away admiring his passion for librarianship, his friendliness, and his class. All of us at Zief are so saddened by his passing.
We’ll miss you, Locke.
Locke was an outstanding leader for librarianship and a wonderful friend. When I first read his articles in the nursing and library literature and read his postings on the MLA/NAHRS lists, I wondered just who this person was. Thankfully we met in Feb. 2008 at the joint MLA chapter meeting in Las Vegas, when he was the only one staying through the weekend who volunteered to share a birthday dinner with me. What a memorable night, including deep conversations about common interests in diversity & health policy, as well as nursing librarianship. When I recruited him to join our NAHRS Research Committee in a Leadership role, he was so appropriate in limiting his commitment to what he thought he could accomplish, given other roles. Locke was so committed to bringing MLA and ACRL closer together, in addition to his interest in nursing and health care, and so wise. And so open in online sharing – something that also helped me through breast cancer 10 years ago. More than anyone I’ve known, he demonstrated that colleagues can be friends, enriching our lives in so many ways. Locke, I will remember you forever.
Peg
Locke embodied in so many ways, all of the best of what librarians can be and do for our world. He was a huge influence on many of us, had a big impact on libraries and services and will be greatly missed.
I worked with Locke at UCI during his career stint here. One of my memories of him is of co-teaching Humanities 75, a 2 credit library research methods course with him. I was the lead instructor, and he was the only librarian who actually took me up on my offer to co-teach this ten week course. I remember how dedicated Locke was to the success of the students and how collaborative he was in helping to design and teach the course. We lost touch over the years, time, distance, and diverging career paths will do that for you, but he was kind enough to send condolences when I lost my son at the age of 28 in 2008. It is for those gestures that Locke will be remembered. My thoughts are with his friends and family, especially Al, at this time.
Cathy
This is very sad news. I first met Locke in 1997 when he started working at USF and I was at Dominican University of CA (called Dominican College then). His sister was attending Dominican and was a student in an instruction session I gave. She introduced herself after that session, telling me I had to meet her brother who was a great librarian.
Indeed he was a great librarian. He was always a great listener. While we did not meet very often, we would run into each other at one conference or another. Come to think of it, I cannot remember going to any ALA or CARL conferences where he was not present.
He was very supportive, encouraging and, above all, collegial. He had a quiet, yet persistent way of being encouraging, reminding all around him that they were capable of excellence. He took his job seriously, but not himself. His wit was contagious. He will be missed by many.
I am so saddened to hear of Locke’s death. I remember some of his Facebook messages before and after surgery and how upbeat he was and thinking to myself, now that is the outlook to have even in the face of such a serious illness. For the years we overlapped at UC Irvine (1991-1994), Locke was one of the brightest, most upbeat, most articulate, and funniest librarians on the staff. He was also extraordinarily kind and considerate of everyone. He could turn a potentially tense planning meeting for the new UCI Science Library under construction into a positive experience simply by being Locke – positive, concerned, trusted. He was a passionate professional and I was so pleased to follow his career as he became a sought after “go to” person in LAUC, the Northern California and Nevada Medical Library group, Medical Library Association, and ACRL. Locke was one in a million. Deepest sympathy to the loved ones he left behind including his mom, sister, Al, and his many, many colleagues and friends.
Although I never met Locke, I so appreciated his work for NCNMLG and his postings to the list. As a past president and joint conference chair, I so appreciate Locke’s carrying NCNMLG forward. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends,and colleagues.
Though I worked at USF during my library school days, that was before Locke’s arrival. I came to know Locke later through his work and commitment to ACRL.
Locke is a true human being. A generous heart. A kind soul. A colleague and friend who will be missed. His continuation is our responsibility now and Randy has done excellent work here to assure that continuation.
Locke and I met in the fall of 1977 as undergraduates at UCLA. We worked together at UCLA Biomed before he went on to become the outstanding librarian that he was. We went to basketball games together, and as alumni we shared a block of season tickets for UCLA football. He was one of the few people I have ever known who was as passionate about his profession as he was about sports!
When I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer 10 years ago, Locke shipped a beautiful little rock garden to me. He personally selected several stones with hand-painted words on them, such as Faith, Believe, Courage, Hope, Strength. It was this kind of concern and care that made him such a cherished friend in my life for 33 years.
Locke was an amazing man who will be missed greatly. Condolences to Al and to all of Locke’s family.
Like a couple of the Karens above (Greig and Andrews), I knew Locke primarily from the early part of his library career, in the engineering library community. He and I lost touch for a bit when he moved from Irvine to SF, but then started running into each other again at ALA or ACRL conferences.
In fact, it became something of a joke that, while Locke and I never _planned_ to meet at a conference, if we were both at the same one we nearly always ran into each other at some point, even among the bazillions of people at an Annual. We’d stop and chat for a few minutes, play a bit of catch-up on what had been going on in each other’s lives, and then move on until the next time we ran into each other.
The thing I will remember most about Locke is his attitude – he had as positive an outlook on life (and most other things) as anyone I’ve ever known. Almost never saw the guy without a smile on his face. I’ll miss that.
I got to know Locke through the ACRL Board and his excellent service as the ACRL representative to the ALA Council. He was a master communicator, articulate, with a great sense of humor. His insights and presence will be greatly missed. He was a great librarian and mentor to students and colleagues at several institutions.
My condolences to Al and all of Locke’s family.
My condolences to Al and Locke’s family.