Librarians We Have Lost, Sesquicentennial Memories -1976-2026: Richard Harrison II
Richard Harrison II served as one of University of Central Florida's Research Engagement Librarians and was a remarkable source of knowledge, insight, and generosity. His dedication to our mission and his unwavering support for colleagues made him a cornerstone of our UCF community. Since joining the UCF Libraries in April 2001 as an Associate University Librarian in the Research and Information Services department, Richard made an indelible impact on the university. During the 2003–2004 academic year, he served as a Senior Faculty Fellow in the Provost's Office, collaborating with Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Dr. John F. "Rick" Schell. In that role, he helped spearhead several undergraduate research initiatives, including planning and coordinating UCF's inaugural Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE). As a charter member of the UCF Undergraduate Research Council, Richard helped shape the university's research landscape for students and faculty alike. His influence extended further-Richard contributed to the NSSE Academic Rigor Working Group and the Faculty Senate's ad hoc committee responsible for developing our current Student Perception of Instruction form. Through each of these efforts, he demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success. Richard earned a B.A. in English from The College of Wooster in Ohio and an M.L.S. from Vanderbilt University. His academic foundation was matched by his generosity of spirit of making sure people were acknowledged by donating books in their honor.
By Kristine J. Shrauger, kristine.shrauger@ucf.edu
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In honor of the Sesquicentennial next year (150th Anniversary of ALA) in 2026, the Library History Round Table is hosting Librarians We Have Lost, Sesquicentennial Memories -1976-2026. This collage of tributes seeks to honor librarians who died between 1976-2026. The tributes are published to ALA Connect and a digital memorial on LHRT News & Notes.
We invite tributes from anyone about any library worker who passed away between 1976-2026. To submit a tribute, please use the form at https://lhrt.news/librarians-we-have-lost-sesquicentennial-memories-1976-2026-2/
For questions or comments, please reach out to Dr. Kathleen McCook (kmccook@usf.edu) or Brett Spencer (dbs21@psu.edu).
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Brett Spencer
Reference Librarian
Thun Library, Penn State Berks
He/Him/His
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