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21 June 2016 Blogs, Academic, Community College, Faculty, Librarian, Student/Researcher

Inspiration and the Library...there is a Dissertation for That!

Inspirational dissertations on how librarians have impacted communities, including their work to break down gender and racial barriers in their profession

Curated by Sarah Palmer, Customer Experience Supervisor

ProQuest can’t wait to meet those of you attending the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Orlando later this month. We have an exhibit at the event and this year we’re continuing with our “Be Inspiring!” theme. Stop by to say “hi” and talk to us about what inspires you!

At this time of the year, it seems especially appropriate in my mind to be thinking about libraries and inspiration. June stirs up fond memories of summer reading programs and retreating into the cool quiet of the library to pick out my next book for the challenge. I was inspired enough to think that one day I might be able to read all the books in the library! (It’s still kind of my goal…)

Over the years, libraries and librarians have proven to be sources of inspiration to me in so many other ways. A search in the ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis database on the subject shows that many scholars and researchers have also been inspired by them. From dissertations focusing on the contributions of individual librarians who have had profound influence on their communities, to dissertations on how librarians have challenged gender and racial barriers and stereotypes in their profession, take a look and prepare to be inspired too.

Here are some highlights to get you started:

Blitz, Daniel Frederick. 2013. "Charles Fletcher Lummis: Los Angeles City Librarian." Order No. 1531332, University of California, Los Angeles

Jones, Elisabeth A. 2014. "Constructing the Universal Library." Order No. 3631849, University of Washington

Lutz, Christine Ann. 2005. "From Old Maids to Action Heroes: Librarians and the Meanings of Librarian Stereotypes." Order No. 1426855, University of Maryland, College Park

McLinn, Claudette Shackelford. 2006. "An Analysis of the Two African -American Women Presidents of the American Library Association: Demographics, Leadership Duties and Responsibilities, Leadership Styles, and Leadership Pathways." Order No. 3241805, Pepperdine University

Skinner, Julia. 2015. "Ernestine Rose and the Harlem Public Library: Theory Testing using Historical Sources." Order No. 3724373, The Florida State University

Curated by Sarah Palmer, Customer Experience Supervisor

At this time of the year, it seems especially appropriate in my mind to be thinking about libraries and inspiration. June stirs up fond memories of summer reading programs and retreating into the cool quiet of the library to pick out my next book for the challenge. I was inspired enough to think that one day I might be able to read all the books in the library! (It’s still kind of my goal…)

Over the years, libraries and librarians have proven to be sources of inspiration to me in so many other ways. A search in the ProQuest Dissertations & Thesis Global database on the subject shows that many scholars and researchers have also been inspired by them. From dissertations focusing on the contributions of individual librarians who have had profound influence on their communities, to dissertations on how librarians have challenged gender and racial barriers and stereotypes in their profession, take a look and prepare to be inspired too.