Dr. Odie Tolbert, retired associate professor in the University Libraries passed away on September 22nd. Odie retired in 2002 after serving on the library faculty for nearly 33 years. He joined the Cataloging Department in July of 1969 and was the first African American hired in the University Libraries.

A native of Memphis, Odie grew up in the New Chicago neighborhood. He was a 1957 graduate of Manassas High School and a 1962 graduate of LeMoyne College. He earned his M.L.S. from Northern Illinois University in 1969 and an advanced certificate from Fisk University in 1973. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity Hall College and Seminary in 1994. He is survived by  his wife Nan and their three adult children. Service for Odie Tolbert were held Saturday, Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. at Pentecostal Temple Institutional Church, located at 229 South Danny Thomas Blvd.

• Observations on the Scholarly Contributions of Dr. Odie H. Tolbert, Jr. by Dr. Mark H. Danley
   
• The Program Booklet of Dr. Tolbert's Funeral