Becker Slide Collection
John H. Becker (1925-85) served as Otterbein University’s head librarian for 31 years, from 1954 to 1985. A veteran of World War II, he graduated from Otterbein in 1950 with a degree in history and went on to earn an MLS from the University of Illinois in 1952, and later an MA in American history from the Ohio State University in 1966. Prior to working at Otterbein, he worked for the Bowling Green (Ohio) and Heidelberg libraries.
At Otterbein, he was a well-known figure both inside and out of the library. He enjoyed working behind the scenes to ensure the success of events such as the Torch and Key book sales, the university’s Paper Chase, commencement, and various academic convocations. Perhaps his most lasting achievement was guiding the design and construction of the Courtright Memorial Library, which opened in 1972.
Library staff and students remembered him fondly, as fostering a “family atmosphere,” and for his sense of humor and enjoyment of practical jokes. History professor Dr. Harold Hancock said of him, “John Becker will always be remembered as being extremely kind and generous with his time in aiding faculty, students and staff with research. He prided himself on finding answers to obscure questions in the Otterbein Room.” Fellow librarian Alberta MacKenzie Messmer (class of 1940) said, “The person on the other side of the desk always came first.”
Beyond Otterbein, John Becker was an active member of the Westerville Historical Society, serving as programming chair for many years. He was affiliated with numerous professional library associations, and he was a member of the Church of the Master (United Methodist) adjacent to campus.
John Becker was an avid photographer. He used his skills with the camera to create library learning tutorials and historical programs, document changes to the Otterbein campus, and record the history of the Courtright Memorial Library, from the groundbreaking groundbreaking groundbreaking in 1970 to its naming in 1979. The slides have been scanned and uploaded in their original order, and have not been cropped or color-corrected.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.