In Memoriam: Dr. Thomas G. Basler, FMLA

Dr. Thomas G. Basler, FMLA, died November 15, 2024 at age 84, at Roper St. Francis hospital.

He began his professional life as a Field Biologist in the wilderness of the Everglades–with snakes, and birds, and alligators. Sidetracked into the wilderness of the written word, he has been blessed by the institutions he served as library director: the University of Miami School of Marine & Atmospheric Science (now Rosenstiel), American Museum of Natural History in New York, Academy of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Even more blessed by his colleagues at each place. Thirteen of whom went on to become library directors.

Dr. Basler gave the 2008 Janet Doe Lecture titled, “There Are No More Giants: Changing Leadership for Changing Times” which has been quoted numerous times by Doe lecturers and others. Further accomplishments can be found here.

His obituary is available via the Charleston Cremation Center.

More details on his life and contributions to health sciences librarianship will follow in an issue of JMLA’s In Memoriam column.