Nancy Jacobson
Nancy Jacobson (1931-2025) was the Director of Memorial Hall Library (MHL) in Andover from 1974 to 1993. [1] Prior to being appointed Director, Jacobson, as Acting Director, oversaw the library during a time of unplanned and rapid transition when Director Harry Sagris died unexpectedly in 1972. [2] Prior to working at Memorial Hall Library, Jacobson worked as a school librarian at West Elementary School and at East Junior High School in Andover.
In 1979, Governor Michael Dukakis appointed Jacobson to be a delegate representing Massachusetts to the White House Conference on Library and Information Science. [3]
In 1980, together with MHL Automation and Technical Service Librarian, Evelyn Kuo, Jacobson oversaw the launch of Memorial Hall Library's first public access catalog and circulation system called Libs 100. [4] In 1982, Memorial Hall Library under Jacobson's leadership helped establish the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium which was created by a state law sponsored by State Representative, Sue Tucker of Andover. The new law, signed by Governor Dukakis, allowed regional libraries to share catalog access and resources. [5] In 1985, ground was broken for a $5.2 million library addition and renovation project that doubled the size of the library. The project took two years to complete and Jacobson oversaw a grand opening of the 55,000 square foot building in 1988. [6] [7]
Jacobson is depicted, along with other Town of Andover leaders, in a mural on the Lower Level of the library by Boston artist, Mark Steele entitled Over Andover''.
In 1995, as part of the "Historic Footprints" front entrance redesign project, the library vestibule was named for Nancy Jacobson. [8]
Nancy Jacoson was born in California where she earned an AB in History and Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. She later earned a MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston. [9]
REFERENCES
- ↑ Boudreau, Lisa Nancy Jacobsen changed the library The Andover Townsman, June 3, 1993, p. 1
- ↑ Memorial Hall Library shows continued growth, The Andover Townsman, February 20, 1975, p.13-A.
- ↑ Delegate, The Andover Townsman, April 12, 1979, p. 26
- ↑ Library Initiates Computer System on Monday, The Andover Townsman, October 28, 1982, p.4
- ↑ Library bill becomes law, The Andover Townsman, Dec. 1, 1983, p.6
- ↑ Breaking ground at MHL, The Andover Townsman, May 16, 1985, p. 43.
- ↑ Administrators pose, The Andover Townsman, November 3, 1988, p.1
- ↑ 1995 Annual Report of the Town of Andover
- ↑ New Library Assistant, The Andover Townsman, April 29, 1971, p. 3
Stephanie 17:24, 7 January 2026 (EST)
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