Justin Winsor

Date of Birth: January 2, 1831

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 22, 1897

Biography

Justin Winsor was an influential American writer, historian, and librarian, born on January 2, 1831, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is best known for his work in the field of library science and for his contributions to American historiography. Winsor’s passion for books and history began at a young age, and he went on to study at Harvard University, where he developed his skills as a researcher and writer. Winsor’s career was marked by his dedication to improving library systems and making historical information more accessible to the public. He served as the superintendent of the Boston Public Library from 1868 to 1877, where he implemented significant organizational changes and expanded the library’s collections. Later, he became the first librarian of the newly established Harvard University Library in 1877, a position he held until his death. In addition to his work as a librarian, Winsor was an accomplished writer and editor. He authored numerous historical works, including “Narrative and Critical History of America,” a multi-volume series that remains a valuable resource for historians. Winsor was also a founding member of the American Library Association and served as its president from 1885 to 1886.

5 Interesting Facts about Justin Winsor

1. Justin Winsor was a pioneering figure in the field of American library science and was instrumental in establishing professional standards for libraries.

2. He was a founding member of the American Library Association, which continues to be a key organization in the library profession.

3. Winsor’s “Narrative and Critical History of America” is considered one of the most comprehensive historical works of its time.

4. He played a significant role in the development of the Harvard University Library, transforming it into one of the leading research libraries in the world.

5. Winsor was a proponent of open access to information and believed in the democratizing power of libraries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Justin Winsor

1. “A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.”

2. “The true university of these days is a collection of books.”

3. “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill.”

4. “The librarian is not a custodian of dead books, but a keeper of the living word.”

5. “To add a library to a house is to give that house a soul.”