George K. Huber, a retired performing arts librarian at Swarthmore College, spent 41 years of his life mentoring students, faculty and staff about library services as he grew the college’s music catalog and collections of videos, audio files, books, and scores.
Mr. Huber, of Swarthmore, has died at age 85, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
He came to Swarthmore College in 1964, hired as an assistant librarian in the circulation department.
Mr. Huber was also an artist, collector, mentor, and volunteer.
He came to Philadelphia from Washington, D.C. so he could earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree at Drexel University.
Then he discovered Swarthmore and never left.
From assistant librarian, he rose in rank to head the new Daniel Underhill Music and Dance Library in 1974.
He helped organize the TriCollege Libraries collaboration project with Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges.
Swarthmore professor of music Jon Kochavi said, “He created a jewel. It’s simply an outstanding collection both in breadth and depth.”
Mr. Huber also developed groundbreaking gay studies programs at the school and addressed LGBTQ community issues. He also mentored several gay students during their years at Swarthmore.
Read more about the life of George K Huber in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
