E.J. Josey rose to prominence in the library profession by compelling the American Library Association (ALA) to live up to its creed of equality for all. During his professional career spanning over fifty years (1952-2002) Josey worked as a librarian (1953-1966), an administrator of library services (1966-1986), and as a professor of library science (1986-1995).
He also served as President of the American Library Association and, perhaps his most notable achievement, he successfully drafted a resolution that prevented state library associations from discriminating against Black librarians.
Josey’s transformative leadership provides a model to tackle today’s civil rights challenges both in and outside the library profession.
Historian Renate Chancellor will present a free virtual talk entitled “‘A Dreamer With A Tiny Spark:’ E.J. Josey Transforms the Modern Library Profession” on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 1 until 2 pm, EST.
Renate Chancellor is Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She received her master’s and Ph.D. in Information Studies from UCLA.
This event is present by the New York State Library. You can register here.
Photo: E.J. Josey speaking in front of the Capital Building during it’s re-facing project from 1958-1962.
