The University Library community was deeply grieved by Norma Kobzina's unexpected death from pancreatic cancer on May 4, 2013.

Norma is survived by her husband John, her son, and her sister. Born in the Bronx, she earned a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from Cornell, where she also met her husband. After moving to California, she taught college Spanish for eight years before earning a Masters in Library Science from UC Berkeley. This was followed by a career of over three decades as a librarian at Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, Norma immensely enjoyed the stimulating environment and her warm relationships with colleagues. Norma's joyous sense of life permeated everything she did, and the smile that was always on her face radiated happiness and good will. Complete obituary

In partnership with several schools and colleges with which Norma had deep ties, and with John Kobzina's enthusiastic blessing, our Library is organizing a memorial event on campus in the fall to celebrate Norma's life and work. The date will likely be in mid-August; to stay informed as plans develop, please email edupuis(at)library.berkeley.edu. 

In addition, the UC Berkeley Library's Librarians Association has created a website to collect and publish brief memorials from her friends and colleagues. You are invited to contribute story or sentiment by emailing it to Susan Edwards at sedwards(at)library.berkeley.edu.

The spring 2013 issue of Fiat Lux, the Library's quarterly newsletter, is now available online. You will find an essay by Sam Redman on the newly-endowed Library Prize for Undergraduate Research; reflections from Tom Leonard on flash mobs in the Library; and an appreciation of the Research Advisory Service, among other stories.

I am pleased to announce that Charlotte Rubens has accepted the position of NRLF Operations Manager. She will succeed Scott Miller, who is retiring this June. Charlotte's broad expertise includes 12 years at NRLF in various positions, including as acting NRLF head for a year, as well as cataloging and access services at other institutions. Her current position as head of our Library's Interlibrary Services Department involves managing a large and complex operation. Please join me in congratulating Charlotte on her new position.

Bernie Hurley
Director for Collection Services, Technologies & the Northern Regional Library Facility

Since 1970, the Lili Fabilli and Eric Hoffer Essay Prize has awarded prizes for 500-word essays on a given topic. Gail Ford, a collections analyst at the Library, was one of this years six winners. All the winning essays, addressing the topic of gravity from a variety of angles, can be read online.

Bette Anton, head of the Fong Optometry/Health Sciences Library, was in Hyderabad in March as an instructor and organizer for a workshop for resource center librarians serving eye institutes. Participants included librarians from India as well as from Nepal, Guatemala, and Egypt. The event focused on developing the search and research skills of participant librarians, thus enabling eye care professionals to have access to the best current clinical and research information.

The workshop was funded by a 3-year grant from Elsevier Foundation (the "Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries" program) with additional support from the Seva Foundation, the LV Prasad Eye Institute, and the Association of Vision Science Librarians.