Maurice J.
Freedman, an American librarian and former president of the American Library Association, died on March 5, 2026, at age 86. Known as Mitch Freedman, he was recognized for his advocacy for socially responsible cataloging and library technologies, and for championing intellectual freedom.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on November 14, 1939, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 1961, a Master of Library Science from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1965, and a Ph.D. in Library and Information Studies from Rutgers in 1983.
Maurice J. “Mitch” Freedman (November 14, 1939 – March 5, 2026) was an American librarian best known for his advocacy for socially responsible cataloging and library technologies, as well as for championing the cause of intellectual freedom. He served as president of the American Library Association from 2002 to 2003.