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Herman Totten is revered as a leader who maintains integrity in all aspects of his life. Many who know and appreciate his integrity have volunteered to submit comments. The list below will be appended as the comments are received and transcribed. UNT Tributes are listed on a separate page.  

"I've been privileged to know Herman Totten as a teacher, a mentor, and a colleague for over 25 years. During that time, I've had the opportunity to meet literally hundreds of librarians from all over the country, and I can't think of anyone who better exemplifies the very best our profession or our association has to offer. ALA needs committed, caring leaders like Herman Totten."
-- Adrian W. Alexander, Executive Director, Greater Western Library Alliance

"I first met Dr. Herman Totten a few months ago when I served on an external review panel that he so expertly chaired. It truly was one of the most memorable, stirring and enlightening experiences that I have ever encountered in the name of the American Library Association [ALA]. He has a leadership style that allows one to have fun while working and learning and building project goals and objectives, as he is firm, focused and results-oriented. Only a well-seasoned leader is able to balance a quick wit and broad sense of humor with a tough-as-nails and no-nonsense determination and resolve. ALA can only continue to flourish under the guidance and direction of a visionary such as Dr. Totten, who indelibly embeds true leadership qualities in all who are fortunate enough to meet and know him."
-- Gail W. Avery, Special Projects Coordinator, District of Columbia Public Library

"In my long association with Herman Totten, I am most impressed with his diversified interests, experiences, and contributions to our multifaceted profession. Herman has been involved in the library profession as a Practitioner / Library Director-Educator / Dean-Member / Chair- and a member and leader of professional organizations at the local, state, and regional levels. His commitment and untiring dedication to the profession have earned him many awards and citations, including the prestigious Melvil Dewey Medal. He understands the aspirations of the librarians entering the profession who are concerned with salaries, benefits, and the work environment. As a corollary, Herman is sensitive to all librarians who are faced with the challenge of articulating a clearer definition of the profession. I am pleased to endorse Herman Totten for President of the American Library Association."
-- Lorene B. Brown, PhD, Associate Professor and Former Dean, School of Library and Information Studies, Clark Atlanta University

"Herman Totten approaches life and leadership with unprecedented energy and effectiveness. Throughout our lifelong friendship, I have witnessed his consistent rendering of sage and fair counsel -- people are inexplicably drawn to his warmth, his humor, and his wisdom. Never have I known someone as innately capable of changing apathy into interest, arguments into agreements, and enmity into amity. I can think of no one who is more able to embrace and to advance the mission of the American Library Association."
-- Tyrone Cannon, Dean, University Libraries, University of San Francisco

"When Herman takes the floor, he has a certain presence that commands everyone to listen and heed what he says. I have served with him on several committees and seen him facilitate a consensus of viewpoints into a plan of action. He has a uniquely calm manner of presenting facts and sifting through situations -- it seems that formulating and executing a plan is second nature to him. I consider myself truly blessed to count Herman Totten as a friend."
-- Patti Clark

"A clear thinker, Dr. Totten is a visionary in many respects. A servant-leader, he has the rare knack of facilitating, team building, getting people to work together.  I have served with him for many years on the Federation Committee of library science programs at UNT, Texas Woman’s University and the Texas A&M University-Commerce  where he is respected for his even-handed, inclusive and balanced approach to problem solving"
-- Evelyn Curry, PhD, Assistant Professor, Texas Woman's University (TWU)

"Having known Herman for over 24 years, I am very pleased that he is a candidate for ALA President. He is one of the most qualified librarians to accept the candidacy. He is thoughtful and dedicated to our profession. As a professor, he is a wonderful mentor and role model. As a colleague, he is someone who can always be depended upon to be there when you need someone to listen to you. I am encouraging all my ALA colleagues to cast their vote for Herman."
-- Rosario Garza, Bibliographical Center for Research (BCR), Aurora, Colorado

I met Herman Totten in 1994 when I began the doctoral program in Information Science at the University of North Texas.  I decided shortly thereafter to ask him to serve as a member of my doctoral committee.  He has been a mentor, friend and a source of inspiration ever since.  When I learned of his candidacy for ALA president I knew there could be no better choice than Dr. Totten.  His continued forbearance and grace under all conditions as well as his astute understanding of the politics and issues surrounding librarianship have earned not only my respect and admiration, but also that of every one who comes in contact with him.  Dr. Totten has my vote for ALA president because I know him to be a professional of high integrity, wonderfully warm humor, great intelligence and incredible perspicacity.
-- Sharon D. Jenkins, Ph.D, Director of Library Services, New Mexico Junior College

"Dr. Totten is a man of principle and great wisdom. As my graduate school professor and adviser, I value his judgment. It is a privilege to be under his tutelage. I believe he will be a tremendous asset to our Association. Let us uphold him."
-- Zeny Jett, Director of Library Services, M. P. Baker Public Library, Carthage, Texas

"It has been of the happiest experiences in my career to have known Herman Totten for 25 years. We've worked together as colleagues in numerous ways at UNT, in TLA, and in ALA, more ways than I can remember. Herman and I are connected at many levels and I even have worked with his brother for several years! Herman Totten is adored by his students, admired by his colleagues, and loved by his friends. He is a consummate faculty member and an outstanding librarian. I can't think of anyone who has the depth and breadth of the experience he will bring to the ALA presidency. My sole regret is that I can only vote for him once."
-- Edward R. Johnson, PhD, Dean of Libraries, Oklahoma State University

"Dr. Herman Totten, in addition to his graduate school teaching duties, has taught workshops in Legal Issues, Confidentiality, and Management Issues for library workers in the small communities of Texas. He draws his listeners in with his warmth and professionalism. He makes them feel a part of the great family of librarians, despite their not having formal training on the graduate school level. Dr. Totten inspired more than one of the Small Library Management learners to pursue her MLS. He addresses them as colleagues and raises their self-esteem. He teaches with humor—what better way to learn? The stories of his grandmother and his upbringing help one realize what a special man he is. I wholeheartedly support Dr. Herman Totten for President of ALA."
-- Laurie Mahaffey, Adult Services Specialist, Central Texas Library System

In a letter nominating Herman Totten for the Melvil Dewey Medal on November 24, 2000 :

"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to write in support of the nomination of Herman Totten for the Melvil Dewey Medal.  I have known Herman Totten for almost thirty years. I was fortunate to have Dr. Totten as a teacher when I was a masters student at the University of North Texas in the 1970s.  Like the eponymous Melvil Dewey, Dr. Totten has himself played a significant role in improving library management.

Early in his career, as the librarian of a small rural historically black college, he made significant contributions to the improved management of the library, resulting in enhanced support for instruction. But his most important contributions to library management have been through his role as a teacher and role model. Generations of students have had their first experience with management principles and techniques in his classes. His impact has been felt not only through the formal degree programs in which he has taught, but perhaps more importantly through the training he has provided to practicing librarians -- many of them without formal library education -- in workshops sponsored by the regional library systems in Texas.

His most important contribution to improved library management, however, has unquestionably been his leadership and instruction in the Texas State Library's Small Library Management Program, an outstanding initiative that provides basic management skills for the myriad small town library directors throughout the state who lack the professional degree. Speaking as a former State Librarian of Texas, I can assert with confidence that the Small Library Management Training Program has made a marked improvement in library service in the state, and Herman Totten has been instrumental in its success. 

Also like Melvil Dewey, Herman Totten has been a major force in American education for librarianship. Not only has he had an enormous impact personally on the lives and careers of numerous students through his instruction and guidance; as a professor and dean, he has also provided leadership and direction for library education programs at the University of Kentucky, the University of Oregon, and the University of North Texas.  His innovation and creativity in developing the curriculum at North Texas has contributed substantially to that School's rise in stature not only within the state of Texas, but also in the national context. 

Moreover, he has made significant contributions to quality assurance and evaluation through his service to the American Library Association, as a member of numerous accreditation review panels and site evaluation teams, and through his unparalleled service on the Committee on Accreditation. I believe that his years of service as a member and as Chair of the Committee are not equaled by any other member of the Association."
-- Robert S. Martin, Ph.D., Professor and Director, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman's University

“Dr. Totten is a modern day pioneer in library science. He has gone where there is no path and has left a trail which many of us now follow. His unwavering love for and devotion to the American Library Association motivates me to be like him.”
-- Madison Mosley Jr., Director, Law Library, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida

"Knowledgeable, committed, focused are some of the essential leadership qualities possessed and utilized by Herman Totten in his career as an administrator, library and information science educator, consultant, and a cooperative team player. Recognizing the complex societal, educational and technological trends affecting the library and information science environments, he confronts these multi-dimensional issues with his rich background of experience and a vision that promises a compelling view of futuristic possibilities for the American Library Association. These observations have evolved from my professional relationship with Herman as we interacted in various situations and locations. Personally, I consider him a valued friend who has a keen intellect, an innate sense of humor, and an ability to establish rapport with all age groups and diverse cultures.
-- Spencer G. Shaw, D. Lit., Professor Emeritus, The Information School, University of Washington, ALA Honorary Membership for Life

"Over the years I have known Herman, I have often agreed with him, but I have also disagreed with him on association matters.  As a rule, I agree and disagree strongly. Herman can handle disagreement, debate ideas, and remain a colleague and a friend. I think this is extremely important in a leader for the ALA."
-- James B. Stewart, Library Director, Victoria Public Library, Victoria, Texas

"I have known Herman for many years and believe his unique expertise as a leader makes him the perfect candidate to successfully tackle the current issues facing the American Library Association (ALA).  He has the knowledge base, the analytical skills, and political savvy to lead ALA to a future more gallant than her illustrious past."
-- Lucille Thomas, Former President, New York Library Association

"Herman Totten’s aptitude, skills, varied background, and plain good-humored good sense are all treasures he has shared with many of us who work in libraries.  In geographically diverse Texas, the room for improvement remains vast, and full of opportunities to do better.  Dr. Totten’s generosity in teaching those of us who would conduct ourselves as professionals but who cannot schedule formal academic work, has made a remarkable difference.   He treats every person as an equal, no matter the background or experience, and convinces each one of his or her innate worth. As a teacher, his instruction is filled with good questions but not pat answers; he acknowledges realities and that they sometimes lack neat solutions; he presents thought-provoking ideas for participants to take away with them. His realistic viewpoint and wide experience qualify him to serve the American Library Association, well and  productively, as its president."
-- Margaret T. Waring, the grass-roots director with real world dusty shoes at Comanche Public Library, Comanche, Texas

"Herman Totten is simply the right person to lead ALA at this time. Imagine an individual with substantial academic and professional accomplishments, yet he  maintains personal warmth and a commitment to mentoring young professionals. He is a tireless supporter of our professional values and has a demonstrated track record for leadership.  I strongly encourage the ALA membership to vote for Dr. Totten.
-- William C. Welburn, PhD, Assistant Dean of the Graduate College, The University of Iowa

I am writing this letter in support of Dr. Herman Totten for ALA President.  Dr. Totten has championed the interests of the library community for 35 years.  Among his many accomplishments are highlights that include his tenure as Associate Dean of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas, President of the Texas Library Association, and Co-Chair of ACRL President’s Program Committee for the Orlando Conference, 2002-04.

He has worked diligently to educate library administrators and to express the importance of support for library services.  The enthusiasm he presents as an educator is indicative of his passion for the field of Library Science.  This energy his earned him the well-deserved title of Regents Professor at UNT where countless numbers of students have been inspired by his lectures. 

Dr. Totten is extremely innovative and presents a vision for librarians in the 21st Century that is pro-active yet firmly structured with the foundations of our profession.  He has the ability to address the needs of diverse groups and to find a common bond between them in order to secure shared interests.  While much of his experience is from academia, Dr. Totten has also provided leadership to public and special libraries as stated in his support for pay equity and better salaries for all library workers.

As a student involved in the University of North Texas distance learning program, I found Dr. Totten to be enthusiastically responsive. Never did he fail to answer my questions or return my phone calls. He has truly earned his reputation as a man of his word.
--Angela A. Williams, MLK Librarian, Syracuse University