David A. Lowder

— Biography from the 2021 Fall Commencement program —

Mr. Lowder received his BA in Journalism from the University of South Carolina in 1977 and earned his MLS from the University of South Carolina in 1983. At the time of his retirement, he had served Georgia Southern University with distinction for 26 years. He joined Zach S. Henderson library in 1995 as a Systems Librarian and was promoted to Head of the Systems Department in 1997. Among his notable accomplishments are the implementation of two different Integrated Library Systems in 2000 and 2017, implementation and integration of the ARC automated book storage and retrieval system, and local implementation of the Open Athens authentication system. The ARC at Georgia Southern University Libraries is one of approximately 20 around the nation and Mr. Lowder was lauded for successfully implementing the automated retrieval system with the library’s integrated management system. Mr. Lowder served on numerous committees at the Libraries, the University and at the Georgia state level. Mr. Lowder was a dedicated professor who supported his staff, students, and faculty across campuses with their technological needs. For these and other contributions to the University Libraries, the University, and the profession, Mr. Lowder has earned the title of Assistant Professor and Head of Systems and Technologies Emeritus.*