Edward M. and Helen Mardigian Library, 1964-2011 | University of Michigan-Dearborn Archives

Title: Edward M. and Helen Mardigian Library, 1964-2011

Extent: 16.0 Linear Feet

The University of Michigan-Dearborn has had a campus library since its infancy. The library was first located in the Student Activities Building (now the Administration Building). Basic materials were purchased in the fall of 1958 and the library opened for business when classes began on September 28, 1959.

William E. Stirton, first director of the “Dearborn Center,” named Donald E. Vincent as the first head librarian. He held that position from 1959-1961. Lynn Barlett was head librarian during 1962-65,* followed by Harold Young, who was head during1965-66.* Donald Dennis served from 1966-68*. C. Edward Wall held that position from 1968 until he retired in August of 1984. During his tenure the new library building was designed and built. Shirley Smith, former assistant director, served as interim director from fall 1984 until she was officially appointed director in the summer of 1985. During Smith’s tenure, the library developed an online public catalog, purchasing the GEAC Library Information System in 1986. Smith retired in 1988. In 1989, Chancellor Blenda J. Wilson appointed Timothy F. Richards III as director. He retired June 30, 2011. During his tenure, the library has purchased a new online catalog from Innovative Interfaces, Inc. of California. Many other innovations have been developed during what has been period of rapid technological transformation in libraries generally. Elaine M. Logan is the current director.

Interest in building a library developed early in the university’s history. The Michigan State Senate appropriated planning money for a new library in 1972. In June of 1974, the Regents approved a five-year capital development plan for the university, which included the library. Things moved slowly until 1977, when Chancellor Leonard Goodall rejected a task force recommendation that called for a shared library between the Dearborn Center and Henry Ford Community College. In 1978, bids were taken for the new library building, and the long-awaited groundbreaking occurred on October 17, 1978. The new library opened on a limited basis in 1980. It was dedicated on April 11, 1981. Terrence H. Bell, U.S. Secretary of Education, was the speaker on that occasion. The building, designed by Charles W. Sherman Associates, Inc., has four stories, 114,889 square feet, and cost $10,200,000. It has a seating capacity of 1200 and a shelving capacity of 350,000 volumes.The building was known as the Dearborn Campus Library or the University Library.

In 1986 Edward and Helen Mardigian contributed the largest financial gift the University of Michigan-Dearborn had received up to that point. In honor of their gift, UM-D rededicated the library on June 7, 1987, and renamed it the Edward and Helen Mardigian Library. The Mardigian family continues to support the library.

Languages of Materials

Administrative Information

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Scope and Contents:

Scope and Content Note

The Mardigian Library record group is divided a series of topical files. The TOPICAL FILES series includes Administrative Team minutes filed under the heading "A Team" for the period from 1989 through 1997, and 1999-2005. There are extensive minutes for the period from 1974 through 1997 from “Library Advisory Committee.” Addenda to the topical files are found in other boxes, including the material for the annual exhibit of faculty and staff publications and artistic contributions, which has been held in the library for a number of years, under the title “Meet the Author” and most recently “Honoring our Own.” The last event by this name was held during Feb. 2006.

There is also extensive material on the planning and construction of the library building. Under the heading “Building Committee,” there are minutes filed with "Memoranda" for the years 1969 and 1984-1989. Dearborn Campus Library Planning Committee Minutes for 1966 are found under "Construction." Construction Project Minutes for 1978 under this same heading. Under "Construction Planning" there are project room sketches, a proposal and prospectus for the construction of a new library. Box 8, and additional drawings are located in File Cabinet #1.

There are photographs under the heading "Dedication." Under "Dedication Committee" there are records regarding the planning of the dedication ceremony. The name of the library was changed to the Mardigian Library in 1987. Materials documenting this event will be found under "Rededication."

There is a nearly complete run of manuals under the titles Library Handbook and Library Guide. There are three issues of the Audio-Visual Department newsletter A Voice for 1979, 1980, and 1986.

There are audio cassettes which conduct a tour of the library for students. There is also an undated slide presentation entitled This is the UM-D Library. There are also U-Matic tapes, including both master and duplicates, which teach how to do library research, how to research a company, and what resources are available for business research.

There are numerous copies of building plans in various states, as well as documents from the files of the director, Ed Wall and the associate director Shirley Smith, generated as development stretched over the years from 1969 to 1981. Documents are especially concerned with space planning, as well as selection of equipment and fittings. Wood, rug, and metal tubing samples are also included.

The addition includes photographs of students and staff, as well as snapshots of the library under construction during 1978-81.