As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the contributions of Black professionals who have shaped the library profession. This blog series highlights library industry trailblazers and some of our own KDL staff members whose work has left an indelible mark on our community.
Clara Stanton Jones was a pioneering librarian and educator who broke significant racial and gender barriers in the library profession. Born on May 14, 1913, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jones grew up in a close-knit, Catholic family. She attended Milwaukee State Teacher's College and later transferred to Spelman College, where she majored in English and History. She earned her degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1938.
Jones began her career working in libraries at Dillard University and Southern University. In 1970, she became the first African American and the first woman to serve as director of a major library system in the United States, taking the helm at the Detroit Public Library. Her leadership faced opposition, but she persevered and made significant improvements to the library system.
Jones made history again by becoming the first African American president of the American Library Association (ALA), serving from 1976 to 1977. During her presidency, she played a crucial role in the adoption of the "Resolution on Racism and Sexism Awareness," which encouraged librarians to raise awareness of these issues among patrons and staff. Jones passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 30, 2012, at the age of 99.
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