Christine Moulen ’94, library systems manager at the MIT Libraries, passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer. She was 44.
A libraries employee for more than 20 years, Moulen was a three-time recipient of the Infinite Mile Award and a universally admired colleague.
“Christine was one of the most beloved and well-respected colleagues at the MIT Libraries,” said Director Chris Bourg. “We have lost an extraordinary human being — warm, brilliant, kind, and with a quick smile that few of us will ever forget.”
Moulen began working in the MIT Libraries as a freshman in Course 16 and remained a student employee throughout her undergraduate years. She enjoyed the work so much, she stayed on in a full-time position after graduating with a BS in aeronautics and astronautics in 1994. She began as monograph acquisitions assistant, became monograph acquisitions section head in 1996, and was promoted to library systems manager in 1997.
Moulen’s excellence was recognized not only by her MIT colleagues but also among a global community of peers. In 2016, she received the Azriel Morag Award for Innovation from Ex Libris, “presented annually to a librarian who has shown innovation and initiative.” Moulen was recognized for her contributions to Aleph, the library system underlying the MIT Libraries Barton catalog. The award committee lauded Moulen’s above-and-beyond contributions to this industry community: “Christine’s innovation is not a one-time creation. It is her day-after-day, week-after-week, year-after-year gift of brilliant and innovative answers and solutions to the Aleph user community.”
Moulen will be remembered by her colleagues as “unfailingly patient, gracious under fire, and generous with her time and knowledge.” Libraries staff and users alike benefited from her commitment to providing high-quality service and problem solving. She was also a dedicated member (along with her husband, Anthony Moulen ’94) of the MIT Libraries’ softball team, the Bibliotechs, for more than 15 years.
Anthony Moulen has suggested that those wishing to make a contribution in Christine's memory do so by giving to the Jimmy Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help others with cancer.
The MIT Libraries are planning an event to honor Christine Moulen in the next few months; details will be shared at libraries.mit.edu.
