An event honoring a KU librarian pointed out the importance both of libraries and of generous support from people who care about the university.

Several weeks ago, former Kansas University Chancellor Gene Budig was in Lawrence and at the university to present the Gretchen and Gene Budig Distinguished Librarian Award to William Crowe.

Crowe came to KU as dean of libraries in 1990 and was appointed Spencer librarian in 1999. In addition to his KU responsibilities, he serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Online Computer Library Center, a nonprofit body serving 41,000 libraries in 82 countries.

Budig, KU’s 14th chancellor, has maintained close ties with the school since his departure in 1994, and he and his wife have been generous to the university through a number of financial gifts focused on outstanding teaching. The Budigs probably have been the most generous of any past chancellor in their personal financial support of KU.

The money involved in the distinguished librarian award is important and nice, but what made the gathering at the Spencer Research Library truly special was the attendance of a number of longtime distinguished KU faculty members and townspeople, all of whom have a deep affection for the university and an understanding of the importance of libraries.

Both Budig and Crowe emphasized the role of a university library, pointing out that the library is the heart of any great university. Since the 1950s, when the late Franklin Murphy was KU chancellor, the university’s leaders have stressed the importance of libraries and have pressed for adequate funding to help keep KU among the leaders in library resources.

New technology has changed the information business in many ways, but the printed word still holds a special place in any learning environment such as a university, and it is good to have events such as the Budig Distinguished Librarian Award to call attention to the vital role of libraries and librarians.

Those at the program where Bill Crowe was honored shared many common interests. They clearly were pleased to see and welcome Budig back to Mount Oread, and they were appreciative of Crowe’s many contributions.

It was a small but special gathering filled with memories, emotion and appreciation, just one example of so many opportunities that make living in a university town so enriching and enjoyable.

The Budigs are to be thanked for their continued generosity and interest in the university, and it is great to have dedicated, talented individuals such as Bill Crowe as part of the faculty.