Lynaire Hartsell, user experience coordinator for the University Libraries, will retire Oct. 31 after 23 years of service. 

After earning a bachelor's degree in music and a master's degree in German from Louisiana State University, Hartsell moved to Fayetteville in 1977. She worked for the Ozarks Regional Library headquarters and the Fayetteville Public Library before joining the University Libraries in March of 1999. During her time on campus, she has served in Serials, Periodicals and User Services. 

According to Hartsell, her coworkers are the best part of her experience in the University Libraries. 

"I really liked the faculty and staff I got to work with here, and this became the place I wanted to retire from," she said. 

Hartsell credits her supervisors with creating a positive work environment. 

"Dean Allen was very encouraging and very supportive," she said. "I also want to thank my various supervisors, and there have been a number." 

Hartsell first reported to Molly Moore in Serials, then Alberta Bailey in Periodicals. In User Services, she has reported to Lora Lennertz, Tim Zou, Kathleen Lehman and Stephanie Pierce. 

"Stephanie has been very supportive in encouraging me to grow and giving me opportunities to do so, even though she knew when she became my supervisor that I would be retiring," Hartsell said. 

"Lynaire's contributions to the libraries and to User Services over the last 23 years cannot be overstated," said Pierce, director of User Services. "She is the glue that holds User Services together, and her commitment to her staff and patrons is unparalleled. Not only will we miss a great colleague and leader in the department, but we're going to miss our friend. Lynaire's number one goal when she informed me of her retirement back in March 2021 was that she stay present and committed to the end. I can say undoubtedly that her goal has been fulfilled."

In the next chapter of her life, Hartsell looks forward to throwing out her alarm clock, practicing violin, making jewelry and doing even more reading. She plans to come back to Mullins on the occasional Tuesday to play mahjong with the librarians.