Norma Karram
Library Assistant, Geisel Library
Years of service at UCSD: 18

Norma Karram, a library assistant who worked like a detective to locate materials for anyone who asked, died July 1, 2007, of breast cancer.

Born in 1948 in Dexter, Maine, Norma's love of libraries began at the age of 7, when she got a library card at her public library. Her "addiction" continued through jobs at Fogler Library at University of Maine in Orono, the Library of Michigan, and the UC San Diego, Social Sciences and Humanities Library.

"She was an inspiration to her co-workers because of her superb public service abilities at the Library Information Desk and in the Current Periodicals, Newspapers, and Microforms Room," said Paul Harris, that department's manager. He added, "She treated all patrons as being important, and she truly practiced UCSD's Principles of Community."

Norma also loved camping and cooking Arabic meals. She is survived by her husband Bishara, sons Tuhan and Rabeah, daughter Reham, and her sister Lonna.

Direct questions or comments to Shelley Herron in Portal Services, (858) 534-3505.