Campus Seeks to Honor Longtime Library Employee’s Memory
By Jamie Higgins
Lynette Boyd was far more than just a valued coworker. She was a devoted member of the Cal State San Marcos library and campus community for more than 25 years, a true and long-term friend to many and a cherished presence at the library.
“She always greeted you with a smile, and she was so kind and gracious,” said Jennifer Fabbi, dean of the library. “Everyone who knew her talks about how she loved to dance, but I also recall several conversations with her about the importance of self-defense classes. She was very self-reliant and admirably tough.”
Boyd, a library services specialist, died unexpectedly last Nov. 16. She was on the eve of a well-earned retirement after 25 years of service at CSUSM and had been looking forward to spending more time with her family.
The most important thing in Boyd’s life was her close-knit family. She is survived by her husband, who she was married to for 65-plus years, two daughters, four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
The library has created a crowdfunding campaign, ending on March 2, to raise $5,000 for a memorial bench to be located adjacent to the library. This bench will serve as a place for the campus community to remember Boyd and to reflect on her spirit of service, positive outlook and generosity.
Her contributions to the library, and particularly to the Collections Delivery and Access department (CDA), cannot be overstated. Boyd’s colleagues remember her as always quick with positivity, humor and enthusiasm, ready to pitch in at a moment’s notice to help or share a joke or good story, whatever was needed. Her patience and wisdom were the glue that held the CDA department together during stressful times.
In her role, Boyd tracked the usage data for the millions of online resources the library provides access to. Because of her careful work in this area, over the years the library has been able to ensure that every collections dollar is being spent on resources that are being used, and to make informed choices as curriculum and research needs have developed over time.
Boyd also managed the library’s government document shipments and physical processing, and had knowledge and expertise in repairing damaged books, saving many books and resources over the years. In addition to all of this, she found time to oversee and supervise acquisition student employees, track student employee budgets, and order and keep track of CDA’s supplies and annual supply budget.
Boyd is greatly missed, and the library thanks all who are willing to join us in making a memorial gift in her honor.
Media Contact
Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306