Lauritzen, Robert L. (1929-1997)
Date Updated
10-15-2019
Department
Library
Academic Rank
Full Librarian
Year Retired from SJSU
1986
Educational Background
San Jose State University, French, 1971 MA
University of California, 1952 BLS
University of California, French, 1951 BA
Administrative and Professional Experience
San Jose State University Library, Sept. 1953‑Aug. 1986
Richmond, CA, Public Library, Jan‑Jul 1953
Seattle Public Library, Sept. 1952
Files
Personal Commentary
My personal life has been without any great milestones. After two abortive attempts at a professional career (the first followed by a disagreement with the draft board; the second was a temporary position), I joined the staff at San Jose State College, as it then was, on September 14, 1953. Thirty‑two years, eleven months and one day later, I retired, August 15, 1986.
During those years I worked, in one capacity or another, in every Library department that exists, or has existed. Three times I served as interim University librarian, where my chief achievement was to hold off attempts by other University departments to annex library space. I am still occasionally called on to settle questions about the history of the Library. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't. Time has a way of letting you forget what you don't want to remember.
In younger days I traveled‑‑my favorite place was British Columbia, but I have been to Europe and South America, where I was privileged to stay at the old hotel at Machu Picchu.
But, since retirement, I echo the old sentiment‑‑ "west, home is best." My last trip was to New England in the fall of 1987. I enjoyed it, even though a freak storm had devastated the autumn leaf crop just before I got there. But, as I boarded the plane home, I decided that I didn't want to get on a plane again. And I haven't.
I spend my time doing a little reading, a little piano playing, a little crossword/jigsaw puzzle solving, and as little housework as I can get away with.
One break in my routine. On August 24, 1996, my high school class held its 50th reunion. There were 42 in my class, and about half of them showed up, which I think is pretty good, after 50 years.
Date Completed: 9/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.