E.J. Josey: A Transformative Leader in the Modern Library Profession Renate Chancellor, Ph.D.

CUA School of Library & Information Science January 30, 2009

E.J.J Early Chronology

 Born in Norfolk, Virginia, 1924  Served in the Army, 1943-1946  A.B in Music, Howard University, 1949  Master’s in History, Columbia University, 1950  Master’s Library Science, SUNY, 1952

E.J.J Professional Roles

     Free Library of Philadelphia (1953) Delaware State College (1955-1959) Savannah State Library (1959-1966) Chief Bureau of New York (1966-1986) University of Pittsburgh (1986-1995)

E.J.J Major Contributions

    Introduced historic resolution that prevented ALA officials from associating with state library associations that refused membership to everyone, 1964 Founded the Black Caucus of the ALA, 1970 President of the ALA in 1984 Published 300+ articles and 13 monographs

Research Questions

Two overarching research questions:  What is the impact of Josey’s leadership on the LIS profession?

 In what ways did he transform the profession?

Theoretical Framework

Transformative

leader

is a person who can guide, direct, and influence others to bring about a fundamental change; both externally and through internal processes (Burns, 1978).

Bernard Bass Model (1985)

 Idealized Influence (leader becomes role model)  Inspirational Motivation (motivator, provides meaning and challenge)  Intellectual Stimulation (creativity)  Individual Consideration (mentoring)

Methodology

Historical Method - Techniques and guidelines that use primary sources and other evidentiary materials to research and write history

Data-Gathering

 oral history interviews  documentary research

Oral History  30 oral history interviews  Contemporaries, Colleagues & Adversaries

Documentary Research

 ALA Archives  University of Pittsburgh Archives  North Carolina Central University  Savannah State College  State University of New York, Albany

Findings

   Josey is a transformative leader Exhibited signs of leadership as a child Community had a major role in his development as a leader - family - church - school  - professional work environment Colleagues (librarians and library educators agree with his contemporaries

Thank You!