RIVERSIDE LIBRARY HAS NEW DIRECTOR

JACKSON -- Geoffrey Roth of Cape Girardeau has settled in as new director of the Riverside Regional Library.

Roth began his position last month at the main library here, which also has branches in Perryville, Scott City, Benton and Oran.

For the last nine years, Roth has worked in computer sales and support in the Cape Girardeau area. His experience includes 13 years with Kent Library on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

"Libraries are becoming a real hub now," Roth said. "Libraries have always been an information transfer point.

"It used to be only the written word was how the information was transferred. Now it's done by computer systems -- CD-ROMs, remote data bases -- all part of the so-called information highway," Roth said.

His library and computer background is a good mix for the position, Roth said. He said he would like the library to keep up with technological advances relating to sharing information.

Roland Sander, president of the library board, said, "Mr. Roth comes to Riverside with an extensive library and computer background, which will help the library system move forward."

Roth received his bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State in 1964. He earned his master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois in 1965. He has also completed advance course work for a doctorate in philosophy from North Texas State University at Denton.

A Scott City native, Roth said he remembers when a "bookmobile" visited Illmo. While he was in high school, he worked part time at the Riverside branch in Scott City.

"It's like coming home again," Roth said. "I plan to do whatever it takes to meet the patrons' needs."