On August 28th, 2023, emerita iSchool faculty member Lois Bewley (née Crook) passed away at the age of 97. Lois completed her undergraduate degree at UBC, and went on to study library science at the University of Toronto and University of Illinois. After teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, she joined UBC iSchool in 1969 and remained part of the faculty until her retirement.
In her work at iSchool and beyond, Lois tirelessly championed for free public library service through her work as a library development and legislation consultant for multiple Canadian provinces. She also fought for intellectual freedom, and the BC Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom, Education and Defense Fund was renamed in her honour to recognize the influence that her work has on libraries across Canada. Lois was active in the professional associations that she was a part of, from being President of the BC Library Association and Canadian Library Association to chairing the Vancouver Public Library Foundation.
Throughout her career, Lois was awarded the Helen Gordon Stewart Award by the BC Library Association; “Outstanding Service to Librarianship” by the Canadian Library Association; and “Outstanding Public Library Service” by the Canadian Public Library Association. Here at UBC iSchool, our Lois M. Bewley scholarship honours Lois’ dedication to teaching and public library service, and is awarded to an iSchool student with previous public library experience entering their second year of the MLIS program.
Lois’ public service, dedication to the field, and sense of humour will be remembered at the UBC iSchool and in libraries all across Canada.
Full obituary here.
