In Memoriam: Professor Colin Harris

It is with great sadness that I must report the death in July 2014 of Emeritus Professor Colin Harris. He was the Editor of New Review of Academic Librarianship from its inception in 1995 until 2008. Prior to this, he fulfilled the same role throughout the life of its predecessor (British Journal of Academic Librarianship: 1986 to 1995). Unfortunately I never met Professor Harris, but I was very much aware of his presence and influence in the world of academic librarianship. A very comprehensive obituary detailing Colin Harris’ life and achievements has been written by Ian Rogerson and Gill Barry (2014, 47). It is entirely appropriate for the New Review of Academic Librarianship to provide a complementary obituary that concentrates on Colin's approach to life and character. Various people who worked with him were asked to provide their insights and tributes. A full list of contributors is detailed at the end of this obituary.

It was clear that Colin was very much appreciated as somebody colleagues liked spending time with for his humor and insight:

• … he could be great company. I have fond memories of some hilarious anecdotes and stories from Colin …

• Colin impressed me with a combination of incisive analysis and dry wit – two characteristics that were such a fundamental part of Colin's intellect and personality.

• He had an impressive memory which made him a true master of the anecdote, and I found him engaging, entertaining and controversially challenging company whenever we met…. He was highly skilled as the devil's advocate!

• Colin was blessed with a mordant wit, yet the kindest of souls.

His intellect and willingness to challenge people was also acknowledged:

• Colin brought an intellectual strength to these discussions, and a sardonic sense of humour. I think he was by temperament a contrarian!

• Colin's contributions were thoughtful and stimulating; with his very straight face, he would be extremely serious when seriousness was required, but also displayed a sharp, dry, and somewhat sardonic wit that both shocked and amused us all.

• Our conversation around the dinner table was lively, humorous and not without the occasional challenge, in both directions.

• Colin had an acerbic view of the world and hated the unthinking orthodoxy used as a way of dealing with anything.

Colin gained much respect from his colleagues as a deep thinker and strategist regarding issues that impact universities and their libraries:

• Colin never stood still in his work and professional activities and seemed to be consequently reinventing himself—a project leader, an academic, a manager of a converged service, a more traditional University Librarian, a leader of collaborative activities, an editor and an active player in many, varying professional developments.

• He always seemed to be at the forefront of developments in academic librarianship—from user education to user studies, from convergence to collaboration and in the many facets of electronic resources and services.

• Colin had the knack of anticipating the key issues facing academic librarianship at a time of great change and of identifying the members of the profession who were most able to supply the expert commentary.

• He exuded confidence and clarity of thought, of librarianship and of life, based on his knowledge, intellect and experience.

• There was always a questioning approach and a shrewd and incisive mind cutting to the key points.

• Colin was keenly intelligent, clear-headed and professionally well informed.

• … many have benefited from the application of his analytical mind to library management issues.

Some of the last sentences in the tributes are used to close the obituary for Colin Harris:

• He will certainly be remembered as an enormously influential figure using the journal not to make his own voice heard but to try and ensure that reason and logic were heard.

• He was a good mate, he enjoyed a pint and he stood no nonsense from anyone.

• Colin's retirement in June 2007 left a noticeable gap in our profession, and he will now be much missed by those who were fortunate to get to know him.

• He will be warmly remembered by many for his incisive and positive contributions to the profession.

Thank you to the following people who so effectively conveyed their appreciation and respect for Colin. Collaboratively, they have captured Colin's approach, profile, and character and shown how much he will be missed.

Jeremy Atkinson, Library and Information Services Consultant, UK; Gill Barry, Former University Librarian, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; Professor David Baker, Library Consultant, UK; Lynne Brindley Master of Pembroke College Oxford, UK; Blaise Cronin, Rudy Professor Emeritus of Information Science, Indiana University Bloomington, USA; John Fielden, Director, CHEMS Consulting, UK; Professor Emeritus Derek Law, Turnbull Building, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow; UK,Ian Rogerson, Former University Librarian, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; Allan Schofield, Head, The Higher Education Consultancy Group, UK; Jan Wilkinson, Librarian, Manchester University, UK; Professor Tom Wilson, Professor Emeritus, Information School, The University of Sheffield, UK.

Graham Walton, Editor