Five years ago, I was waiting for a state library conference in Athens to begin. Brand new to Georgia and having started a Newton campus librarian job a few weeks prior, I was a stranger to all. Other attendees were gleefully greeting friends and colleagues when someone sat down next to me and struck up a conversation. After ten happy minutes of professional discussion, this kind woman introduced herself, and asked my name and the name of my library. Upon discovering that I work at Georgia Perimeter College, her jaw dropped! She was the director of the Clarkston Campus Library! I was astounded that the director of the largest library at GPC could be so friendly and approachable.
An avid gardener, Eva will have the chance to spend more time with her plants. She has been a guiding light for GPC Libraries for many years.
This true story epitomizes Eva Lautemann’s positive leadership style and professionalism. She is enthusiastic, thoughtful, and loves Georgia Perimeter College Libraries. Since beginning her career at DeKalb College in 1976 as a library assistant, she has honed her professional expertise in a variety of library departments: circulation, serials, reference/instruction, and she was even a systems librarian. Recognizing her strength of character and talents, the College selected Eva as Clarkston Library Director in 1995. By 2006, through her leadership, she and the Clarkston Campus library staff received the Association of College and Research Libraries/Community and Junior College Libraries Program Achievement Award for their “CSI Library” program. Eventually appointed as the Senior Library Director for all of GPC, Eva’s common sense guidance has positively influenced and impacted every campus library.
Now embarking on the next chapter of her life, Eva will retire from GPC at the end of June. We who have been lucky enough to work with Eva, either as employees of Clarkston library, or via the multiple committees, projects, taskforces, etc. on which she has served, are sad to see her go. Her openness and spirit of collaboration always encouraged questions and suggestions, and garnered respect by all who have known her. Throughout the GPC community, we are unanimously grateful for having the chance to work with a true leader like Eva.
–Rebecca Rose
Blog editor’s note: Eva is also a sterling mentor of librarians new to the profession, giving advice and opportunities to gain experience.
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The photo in this post is by Manas Tungare and used under Creative Commons license.
I too, have appreciated Eva’s professional expertise, keen insight, and quiet encouragement. I will miss our early morning DeKalb-to-GPC restrospectives. Enjoy the next life phase.
Karen McKinney Holley
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