Boone's mother, Margaret Wilson, in Karachi, Pakistan, 1956
By Jennifer Hoyt
Kathryn Boone's work path led her to the ODU Libraries for almost 40 years. But now she will take a different direction - one free of timesheets, department meetings and evaluations.
Boone retired as head of the Learning Commons and Branch Libraries Department, and it leaves the libraries with more than just a position to fill.
"Capturing the scope of Kathryn's contributions to the libraries is challenging because she does so many things that are taken for granted or unseen," said Stuart Frazer, ODU Libraries interim librarian. "It is hard to imagine the libraries without her, but we're all also very happy for her."
Boone's service to ODU goes back to 1980, when she began her professional journey as a student worker in the interlibrary loan department before being hired full time in 1983 as a library assistant in government publications. Following departmental mergers and promotions, and earning her Master of Library and Information Science degree, she accepted an administrative position as Learning Commons operations manager in 2011. Her department included 10 full-time and six hourly employees.
"The University Libraries have provided me with a rewarding career during my 38 years here as a full-time employee," Boone said. "I am so appreciative of the opportunities I have had to work with a committed group of colleagues, serve on a wide variety of teams and committees, and have a voice in the operations and goals of the libraries."
Her career at ODU Libraries seemed to be a natural fit. Her sister worked at the libraries through graduation, then Boone stepped into that role. A more significant push toward librarianship came from Boone's mother, Margaret Wilson, who always wanted to be a librarian.
"With our family living overseas in developing countries, she was never able to fulfill that dream, but she always managed to be involved in information provision through donating books, the organization of small English language libraries, or through more formal libraries supported by the United States Information Agency," Boone recalled. "I feel that my career choice would have made her very proud."
Boone feels the transition to the next phase of her life will be just as natural. She expects to lend a hand to family members ranging in age from 2 to 92, get plenty of exercise at the Student Recreation Center and travel internationally by next year. Perhaps, she'll bring along one of her favorite books: "West with the Night" by Beryl Markham.
Frazer recognizes that filling Boone's shoes will require casting a wide net for leaders and multitaskers.
"Every day, she takes steps to make the Learning Commons and other user spaces safe, welcoming, and inviting for all our users," Frazer said.
