John Cotton Dana Quotes

Librarian
USA
1856

John Cotton Dana (1856-1929) was an American librarian, educator, and museum director. He was a pioneer in the field of library science and is best known for his work in developing public libraries and museum education. He was the first director of the Newark Public Library in New Jersey, and he also served as the director of the Pratt Institute Library in Brooklyn, New York. He wrote several influential books on library science, including The New Library (1909) and Libraries and the Reading Public (1911). He was a strong advocate for the use of libraries as educational and cultural centers, and he was instrumental in the development of the American Library Association.Read Less

The public library is a center of public happiness first, of public education next. Feraz Zeid, January 11, 2024, John Cotton Dana, Library, 0

- John Cotton Dana

Librarian

· USA

Library

Who dares to teach must never cease to learn. Feraz Zeid, October 26, 2023, John Cotton Dana, Appreciate, Education, 0

- John Cotton Dana

Librarian

· USA

John Cotton Dana Career Highlights

Dana began his career as a librarian at the Denver Public Library in 1889, where he implemented several new initiatives such as open access to shelves and a children’s room.
In 1895, he became the director of the Springfield, Massachusetts Public Library, where he introduced the concept of a “library for the people,” focusing on community outreach and providing resources for all members of society.
In 1902, Dana became the director of the Newark Public Library, where he continued to implement his progressive ideas, including the establishment of a business branch and a library for the blind.
In 1907, he became the director of the Free Public Library of Newark, New Jersey, where he served until his retirement in 1929.
Dana was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles and books on library management and the role of libraries in society.

Key Contributions by John Cotton Dana

Dana was a pioneer in the field of library science, advocating for libraries to be more than just repositories of books, but also centers for education, culture, and community engagement.
He believed in the importance of providing equal access to information for all members of society, regardless of their social or economic status.
Dana was a strong advocate for professional development and training for librarians, and he helped establish the New Jersey Library Association and the Special Libraries Association.
He also played a key role in the development of the American Library Association, serving as its president from 1895 to 1896.

What Sets John Cotton Dana Apart

Dana’s progressive ideas and innovative approach to library management set him apart from his contemporaries. He was not afraid to challenge traditional methods and was always looking for ways to improve and modernize libraries.
He was a strong advocate for social responsibility and believed that libraries should play a vital role in promoting education and social progress.
Dana’s emphasis on community outreach and providing resources for all members of society, regardless of their background, was ahead of its time and has had a lasting impact on the profession.

Takeaways

John Cotton Dana’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on the field of library science.
His progressive ideas and emphasis on community outreach and equal access to information are still relevant and influential in the modern library landscape.
Dana’s legacy serves as a reminder to librarians to continuously strive for innovation and social responsibility in their profession.

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