Caroline H. Derouin, a recently hired member of the library staff, died yesterday afternoon after collapsing of an apparent heart attack during a meeting of library personnel.
Other staff members present at the meeting in the Rauner Special Collections Library called for help after Derouin, who was in her mid-50s, collapsed at approximately 1:30 p.m.
According to Claire Chandler '04, who was studying on the second floor balcony of Rauner at the time, attempts to revive Derouin with CPR and possibly automated external defibrillation appeared unsuccessful.
Derouin was taken by ambulance to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at about 1:45 p.m., where she received treatment in the DHMC emergency room, according to Phyllis Souza, a hospital spokesperson. She was pronounced dead at 2:22 p.m.
Hired as a circulation specialist, Derouin began work in the Sherman Art Library this Monday.
Coworkers said they were looking forward to getting to know Derouin, but had not yet had that chance.
"She seemed gregarious and outgoing and very much the kind of person who would like working with students," Director of Library Administrative Services John Crane said. "It was a hard day for the librarians."