College Librarian Inspired by Dad’s Journey at Perimeter

Scott Pieper is an Atlanta native. Born at Piedmont Hospital on Peachtree Street, he grew up in suburban Gwinnett County and went on to become a Georgia State Panther, graduating from the university with a bachelor’s in history in 2000.

“It is amazing to see how much GSU has changed since then,” he said, “especially now that my perspective has changed. I always try to keep that student perspective in mind.”

About his hometown, he said: “the exciting part of living in the Atlanta area is the extent and pace of change I’ve seen in my lifetime.  It has never felt stale.”

At Perimeter, for the past 13 years, Piper has served as a GSU Library department head, managing the libraries on Decatur and Newton campuses—splitting his time between both locations.

Below we talked with Pieper about the library and the role it plays on our campuses—as well as the huge influence that his dad has on his dedication to being a librarian.

Tell me about some ways you and your staff make the library a welcoming place for the Perimeter community.

I think a library means different things to different people at different points in their lives.  As far as my staff and me, meeting people with compassion and kindness is top of mind.  Some people need research help.  That’s our main mission as an academic library.  Some people need to print or access reliable Wi-Fi or use a decent computer.  Some need a calculator or a Chromebook.  Some people want solitude.  Some want to meet people.  Some people just need a nap.  I think we try to balance all these things and offer spaces, services and events that meet the needs of the community in a bookish and book-adjacent way.

So, yes, we do research workshops, in-person research help, citation help, support to classroom faculty, information literacy instruction and we also do crafts, painting, therapy dogs, Halloween costume contests, film screenings, games and puzzles, so that everyone feels welcome and that they belong in an academic library space.

That’s great! The library is for everyone. What’s your favorite thing about being a librarian? 

Working with students and faculty in a variety of fields is fascinating.  I work in a world of ideas and inquiry where sometimes there is a definitive correct answer.  Most of the time, however, positions and decisions are a matter of making a case based (hopefully) on the best evidence available.

Do you have a favorite quote?

Growing up my dad had all sorts of truisms that resonate with me more as I get older.  One is, “You should spend good money on three things: eyeglasses, shoes and your car’s brakes.” Beyond thrift, one of his other axioms that I take to heart is, “Never burn bridges because it’s not what you know, it’s who you know that gets you through life.” I have found that to be mostly true.

Great wisdom from your dad. You've also shared that your dad attended Perimeter College when it was called DeKalb College. Tell us more about this.

Sure. I think about my dad often when working with students here.  He graduated from Clarkston in the early 1970s.  I know the incredible positive impact that the education he received had on our family.  He worked and saved and took classes when he could.  I think about students in the same situation.  My families’ history has come full circle:  I can help students like him along the same path.

What is your favorite book?

My all-time favorite book is “The Name of the Rose” written by Umberto Eco.  It’s a murder mystery set in a medieval Italian monastery where an ancient book and the library play a central role. What could be better? Recently, I’ve really appreciated Jesmyn Ward’s writing: raw and haunting.

Thanks for the recommendations! Are you an avid reader outside of work? 

I enjoy historical fiction and non-fiction books on history and politics. Truth be told, my wife reads more than I do.

Do you have other interests you’d like to tell us about?

I love to sing in choirs. I’ve sung in choirs since elementary school. Happily, it’s something I can do for the rest of my life.

Thank you for chatting with us and for sharing so many ideas, Scott!

Story by Christy Petterson

Photo by Meg Buscema