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Omar Khalidi, longtime MIT research librarian, dies at age 57

He worked at the MIT Libraries from 1983 until recently.
Omar Khalidi
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Omar Khalidi
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Photo: L. Barry Hetherington

Omar Khalidi, who worked at the MIT Libraries from 1983 until last month, died Monday after being struck by a train at the Kendall Square MBTA station.

Khalidi, 57, worked as the librarian for the Aga Khan Program in the MIT Libraries. He is survived by a wife and daughter.

“This is sad and shocking news for all of us in the Libraries who knew and worked with Omar, and our thoughts at this time are with his family,” said Keith Glavash, associate director for administration at the MIT Libraries.

MIT is making counseling services available. Individuals are encouraged to contact MIT Medical’s Mental Health and Counseling Service for assistance at 617-253-2916. The service also offers walk-in counseling between 2-4 p.m. every weekday on the third floor of E-23.

The Milli Gazette, a newspaper whose primary audience is Indian Muslims, described Khalidi as an eminent Indian Muslim scholar who had published several books including Khaki and Ethnic Violence in India: Armed Forces, Police and Paramilitary During Communal Riots and Muslims in Indian Economy.

Chaplain to the Institute Robert Randolph said a memorial service for Khalidi will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the MIT Chapel. A reception will follow in W-11.


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