E. J. Josey: Transformational Leader of the Modern Library Profession

E.J Josey's life and career examined in book on civil rights movement. Josey challenged ALA to live up to creed of equality for all, particularly during segregation. He worked as librarian, administrator, and professor, and drafted resolution preventing state library associations from discriminating against African American librarians, ending segregation in ALA. His leadership provides model to tackle todays civil rights challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In the tumultuous era of Jim Crow, E.J. Josey emerged as a prominent figure in the library profession, daring to challenge the American Library Association (ALA) to uphold its commitment to equality for all. This was a daunting task during the segregated 1950s and 1960s. Through extensive interviews with Josey and his contemporaries, as well as a thorough examination of archival sources, library educator Renate Chancellor delves into Josey's remarkable leadership, particularly in the context of modern-day racial dynamics.

Josey's professional journey spanned over fifty years, from 1952 to 2002. During this time, he held various roles, including librarian (1953-1966), administrator of library services (1966-1986), and professor of library science (1986-1995). His most notable achievement was his role as President of the American Library Association, where he successfully drafted a resolution that prevented state library associations from discriminating against African American librarians. This landmark resolution effectively ended segregation within the ALA.

Josey's transformative leadership offers a valuable model for addressing contemporary civil rights challenges both within and outside the library profession. His unwavering commitment to equality and justice paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. This book, copublished by the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE), serves as a crucial contribution to the historical record, shedding light on an understudied period of history that is integral to understanding the complex struggle for civil and human rights in professional organizations.

Weight: 263g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538158913