Robert Logan Interview

Early Career

Bob was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. When the time came to pursue his higher education, Bob attended the University of Toronto. After his graduation from the University of Toronto, Bob desired a job working for the University. He was eventually given a job as the University library van driver. It was in this instance where Bob made his first encounter with the University of Guelph. Despite working several other temporary jobs: as a bank clerk, and then an insurance broker, Bob decided that he wanted to pursue teaching. That is when a man named Brian Land suggested that Bob’s skills were better suited to be a librarian. Bob pondered this idea for a while until he agreed with Brain’s suggestion, and began to seek an opportunity working in a library. Bob began working at the University of Guelph in 1968, shortly after the university's inauguration in 1964. The McLaughlin Library had just been completed which gave Bob and the library staff a permanent home.   

An aerial photo taken over the University of Guelph in its inaugural year, 1964.

The Golden Era

Bob worked at the University of Guelph during a period which he referred to as The Golden Era. Bob reflected on why this period was so influential to the growth of the university, and his career. It was the individuals who were in charge that made the university so great in its early years. People such as, Bill Winegard, Lachlan "Lachie" MacRae, Florence Partridge, and Margaret Beckman, gave the University of Guelph tremendous leadership during its early years. The excitement of a new and flourishing university was contagious to everyone on campus. The exchange of new ideas allowed for the implementation of many important changes amongst the university. Bob referred to how the university was not afraid to spend money during these early years, which allowed the expansion of campus on an intellectual, and infrastructural basis. Progression was an inevitability during the early years of the University of Guelph, which saw many new facilities being built and in turn, urbanizing campus. Bob stated “growth is not always beautiful,” and although he was proud of the work being done in these facilities, he felt that the university was losing its innocence. Bob loved the open space of the University of Guelph, as it was a great change of scenery from the urban centre he was used to at the University of Toronto. Bob said he witnessed the university, and much of the surrounding area become more urbanized with its growth.

Tasks as Librarian

Bob expressed that he was a generalist during his time at the University of Guelph, which means that he sustained several responsibilities throughout his tenure. His list of tasks included: head of documentation centre, head of circulation and information, official greeter for visitors, and teaching students research methods. Bob detailed that he loved everything he did while working at the library. However, his favourite task was teaching students research methods. It helped Bob rekindle the love of teaching that he once had, and he really enjoyed engaging with these young adults. Bob was a co-author of a book called, On-line circulation, which detailed design requirements and philosophy, file and record structure, system functions and features, hardware/software capabilities, and implementation procedures for using the internet for work purposes. Bob also expressed that he had more more artistic side which he did not know he had during his time at the university. He designed several bookmarks for the library, along with the bookplate for the Scottish Collection at the University of Guelph. 

The cover of On-Line Circulation, a book co-authored by Bob during his tenure at the University

Memories

Bob said that he had many fond memories during his time at the University of Guelph. He a mentioned a few in particular which really stood out to him as instrumental moments during his tenure. The first was the instance in which a former student noticed him, and then praised him. Bob had suffered a stroke, and was sent to a rehabilitation centre to get his abilities reassessed. In was in this moment that a former student recognized Bob and said, “I remember you Mr. Logan, you taught me research methods”. It had never dawned on Bob that his students grew up. He stated that that was a fulfilling moment for him because he felt as though he made a difference in a young man's life. Another memory includes the time where he helped design a long service pin for faculty members at the University of Guelph. Bob helped design the pin, and eventually received one after serving a long tenure at the university. A memory which stood out to Bob involved an encounter with the Chief Librarian, Margaret Beckman. Bob stated that he was the mediator between a colleague who was quite outspoken, and Margaret. Bob wanted to diffuse the situation, and keep his colleague from being terminated. Bob managed to successfully do so, which made him feel as if his superiors had a trust in him to do important tasks. This made him feel like an imperative member of staff, and that he had the respect of Margaret. 

Bob and a number of his colleagues cutting a celebratory cake for Canada Day.

Top Photo (left to right): Mrs. Beckman, Eileen Winegard, Bob Logan, Rose McHugh, Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Hill.

Bottom Photo: John Moldenhauer and Mrs. Beckman