Newsletter Edition: Fall 2026
Contributed by Gina Flores
The University Library community mourns the loss of Michael Barrett, Emeritus Librarian, who passed away in March 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael devoted more than four decades of his life to California State University, Northridge, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, scholarship, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students.
Michael joined the CSUN University Library faculty in 1972 as a Reference Librarian, beginning a remarkable 45-year career that would touch countless lives. Throughout his tenure, he became known not only for his expertise as a librarian but also for his kindness, professionalism, and genuine care for others. Colleagues remember him as a diligent bibliographer, a trusted mentor, and a warm presence whose welcoming smile brightened the library each day.
Born and raised on his family’s farm in Bakersfield, California, Michael was the first in his family to pursue higher education. He began his academic journey at Bakersfield College, where his love of history, political science, and libraries first took shape while working as a student assistant in the college library. After serving as a radar man in the Navy Reserve and on active duty throughout the western Pacific, he continued his education with determination and purpose. Awarded a full scholarship to the University of Southern California’s Library Science program, Michael completed his Master of Library Science degree in 1972. In a testament to his dedication, he finished his final examinations at USC on a Friday and began his career at CSUN the following Monday.
Over the years, Michael became an indispensable member of the University Library. He served as Social Sciences Coordinator and bibliographer, building collections and supporting scholarship across disciplines including History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology, and many others. In 2000, he was appointed Chair of the Reference and Instructional Services Department, serving with distinction for six years before transitioning to Technical Services, later known as Collection Access and Management Services (CAMS), in 2006.
Michael’s contributions extended far beyond the library walls. A respected campus leader, he served on numerous university committees and initiatives, including three different WASC accreditation efforts, the General Education Revision Steering Committee, Earthquake Recovery, Planning, Priorities and Resources (PP&R), and the Educational Resources Committee, which he chaired. He also served four terms as Secretary of the Faculty Senate, demonstrating his commitment to shared governance and the continued success of the university community.
His decades of service were recognized in 2012 when he was honored at CSUN’s Honored Faculty Reception for 40 years of outstanding contributions to the university. Even after entering the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP), Michael continued serving students and faculty until his full retirement in 2017, remaining deeply engaged in librarianship throughout those years.
Yet for all his accomplishments, Michael measured success by a different standard. When asked what had sustained him through decades of change, technological transformation, administrative shifts, rebuilding efforts, and historic milestones at CSUN, his answer was simple and heartfelt: “Love for the students.” As a first-generation college graduate himself, Michael felt a special connection to students who were the first in their families to pursue higher education. He understood their challenges, celebrated their achievements, and dedicated his career to helping them succeed.
Beyond the campus, Michael’s compassion and service touched the broader community. He earned a Certificate of Ministerial Studies from the Pacific School of Religion and devoted countless hours to volunteer work with AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). Recognized as APLA’s Volunteer of the Year in 1988, Michael participated in 28 fundraising walk-a-thons and personally raised an estimated $45,000 in support of the organization’s mission. His generosity reflected the same spirit of service that defined his professional life.
Michael Barrett’s legacy lives on in the collections he helped build, the committees he helped guide, the institution he helped strengthen, and most importantly, the thousands of students, faculty, staff, and colleagues whose lives he touched. He exemplified the highest ideals of librarianship: intellectual curiosity, dedication to learning, leadership through service, and a deep commitment to helping others.
He will be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and affection. His contributions to CSUN and the University Library are immeasurable, and his presence will be deeply missed.
May his memory continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.