Unsung Hero

Formidable Law Librarian Retires

It has been a pleasure to work with Victor Salas in the Louis L. Biro Law Library. Victor has been a part of the Law Library for more than 20 years. He's filled many roles, mostly behind the scenes. On occasion, Victor's name appears in law review articles, with thanks for his research assistance. Professor Arthur Acevdeo provides a representative example in an NIU Law Review article: "I also wish to express my gratitude to Victor Salas, Reference Librarian, The John Marshall Law School, for his research assistance." Additionally, Professor Ann Lousin often recognized Victor's research support in her columns for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Over the years, Victor quietly helped numerous students, professors, attorneys, judges, members of the public, and other librarians. When students, professors, or attorneys are stumped, they find a law librarian. When the law librarians are lost, Victor finds a path.

No one articulated what Victor meant to the law library quite like a former colleague. In an article about creating an online video, Anne Abramson mentioned several "unsung heroes" who helped her with the project, including the redoubtable Victor.

I am fortunate to have worked with many great colleagues, but there is one, in particular, who tends to float under the radar. He is the miraculous Victor Salas. Just when I thought that all options had failed and I would have to rerecord part of my Camtasia video, Victor was able to find a solution. He simply produced the video in segments and then found a way to join the MP4 files together.

Victor is the epitome of the humble yet brilliant librarian who is never too busy to lend a hand or an ear. He is never one to trumpet his abilities either, but all those in the know, know that Victor is the person to ask for help with just about anything.

Our former colleague, Bill, used to say that Victor was the saintliest person he had ever met. I know that Victor has been my savior on many occasions, particularly in this latest instance. I find it refreshing to know that in this age of hyper specialization, Victor, who is a true renaissance man, can find simple solutions that others miss. I also find it inspiring that even amid all the hype of the latest technology, the finest human qualities which Victor exhibits are truly timeless. The yogi librarian calls Victor the “library guru.”

Anne L. Abramson, Developments in U.S. Law Libraries, 37 Can. L. Libr. Rev. 202, 205 (2012).

On behalf of the folks at the Louis L. Biro Law Library, we wish you all the best, Victor.