[Michlib-l] Former State Librarian Francis X. Scannell

Tue Jul 2 11:57:54 EDT 2013

On behalf of State Librarian Nancy Robertson

The Library of Michigan would like to acknowledge the death of former State Librarian Francis X. Scannell, who passed away in Mercer Island, Washington on June 17, 2013.

The State Board of Libraries appointed Francis X. Scannell to the position of State Librarian in January 1968.  At the time of his appointment Mr. Scannell was the head of Michigan State University's reference department, but he was a familiar face around the Michigan State Library (Library of Michigan) having worked there from 1953 to 1965 as head of Reader Services.

Mr. Scannell led the state library through major changes at library itself and for libraries statewide.  These changes included significant austerity measures due to cuts in federal and state funding and a controversial new reorganization of library services around the state into a system of regional cooperatives.  During his tenure, the state library expanded services to encompass the interests of community college and university libraries, enhanced services to state correctional and mental health library facilities and took the first step into computerized technology by joining the fledgling Ohio College Library Center (OCLC).

Mr. Scannell resigned as Michigan's State Librarian on Feb. 22, 1983, having worked at the state library for a total of 27 years.  The Library of Michigan would like to recognize his dedication to library service in the state of Michigan and extend our condolences to his family and friends.

His family has posted a slideshow of pictures of Mr. Scannell and an opportunity to leave a message at www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com<http://www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com>.

Bernadette M. Bartlett
Michigan Documents Librarian
Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI  48909
517-373-2971
www.michigan.gov/mddp<http://www.michigan.gov/mddp>
www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

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