Eric Rumsey, one of Hardin Library’s most senior employees, retired on April 3, 2017.
As Web Services Librarian, Eric most recently worked on Hardin Libraries Twitter @hardinlib, and conducted research on searching PubMed and Embase for plant-based foods and other nutrition-related topics. He also taught classes on library resources such as Embase and provided reference services.
Eric was an internet pioneer, building and maintaining Hardin Meta Directory (HardinMD), an early subject directory of quality health information that later included pictures. Hardin MD pictures were used for teaching, research and in many publications. Hardin Meta Directory was one of the top 5 sites for consumer health information in the late 1990s. Hardin MD will be retired on June 30, 2017 with Eric’s blessing.
Eric had degrees in botany from Earlham College and Indiana University, and a MLS from Indiana University. His interest in botany led to his research and writing on plant-based nutrition and foods.
Eric is staying in Iowa City and will spend his retirement with his family, reading and gardening. He and his wife Christine are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild in August.