By Ashley Brazzel
Staff Reporter
The University of Memphis lost a longtime staff member andfriend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Harriet Alexander, 53, died in her home Monday, Mar. 31. After25 years of work and dedication to the McWherter library, thoseclosest to her say Alexander's impact will never be forgotten. Thereference librarian devoted her time to helping all those whoselives touched hers.
Associate Professor Ross Johnson, a library employee, remembersher as the type of person who made others happy.
"She was always very thoughtful, kind and funny," Johnson said."She was a very dear friend and a very decent person. She reallyenjoyed life."
Alexander, originally from Blytheville, Ark., was a member ofthe Raleigh Presbyterian Church and the Tennessee LibraryAssociation.
"She loved cats," Johnson said. "I think she had like five catsat the time of her death. They were like members of herfamily."
Alexander was well read and versed in many subjects. Johnsonsaid she liked everything from popular fiction to academic journalsand books.
However, Alexander not only used her knowledge to help studentsat the reference desk. She also used her information to compilework of her own.
Janell Rudolph, a retired reference librarian who now workspart-time in McWherter, said Alexander has done a lot of work increating bibliographies for students.
"She has published some books," Rudolph said. "A bibliography oncriticisms of American and English poetry that has been very usefulfor students. She had several projects like that, that she had beenworking on over the years."
Charles Buckner, a graduate student in the History Departmentsaid Alexander made it her goal to take him under her wing. He saidshe always found the time to chat with him.
"She really liked people to do research," Buckner said. "Shewould stay after (work) late, or she would come in before her shiftto help me. I think she even gave me her home phone number. I willnever forget her kindness, patience and gentle manner."
Rudolph said her sudden death was a shock for everyone who knewher.
"Everyone, the staff and the students will miss hertremendously," Rudolph said.
"She was always a big help to students at the referencedesk."
Alexander's family requests that memorials be sent to The U of Mlibrary or the Memphis Humane Society.
