We would like to pay tribute to Judith Caruthers, retired Director of the Medical Center Libraries. A familiar face to many members of the LSUMC community, Judith served with dedication for more than 20 years. She received her MLS from LSU-Baton Rouge and did doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Judith began her library career at LSUMC as a library associate in 1971. She served as a reference librarian, interlibrary loan librarian, and head of reference before being appointed director in 1986 and earning tenure in 1990.

Not only is Judith valued at LSUMC, but she is also a well-respected member of the general library community. She served as a consultant for the establishment of the Southeastern and Southwestern Louisiana Area Health Education Centers and was a visiting professor at the School of Library and Information Science at LSU-Baton Rouge for several years. Judith is a member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals at the Distinguished level and belongs to the Medical Library Association, its South Central Chapter, and the Health Sciences Library Association of Louisiana.

Judith's contributions to the Medical Center reached beyond the scope of her work at the library. During the 1970s she joined a spirited group of other faculty, staff, and students and played the flute in the LSU Medical Center Band. In 1996 New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial commended Judith for her involvement in the restoration of a frieze by noted local artist Enrique Alferez. The frieze had been in the Medical School Building since its opening in 1931 and was to be removed during the building's renovation. Because she worked to ensure that this important work of art would be saved, Morial declared November 8, 1996 as Judith Caruthers Day.

Illness forced Judith to step down as director in September 1997. We miss her and wish her our very best.

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