Alma Dawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alma Dawson
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| Born | February 4, 1943 |
| Died | September 11, 2025 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Librarian, Scholar, Library Science educator |
Alma Dawson (born February 4, 1943 – died September 11, 2025) was an important American scholar in the field of librarianship. She worked as a professor at the School of Library & Information Science at Louisiana State University. She retired in 2014 and was given the special title of Emeritus Professor in 2015. In 2019, Dr. Dawson received the Essae Martha Culver Distinguished Service Award. This award honors librarians who have shown great leadership and made valuable contributions to libraries in Louisiana.
Contents
Early Life and Career Path
Alma Dawson earned her first degree from Grambling State University. She studied secondary education and then taught in the Natchitoches Parish School System. Later, she earned a master's degree in library and information science from the University of Michigan.
After her master's degree, she worked as a head librarian at Prairie View A&M University. In 1982, Dr. Dawson joined the Louisiana State University Libraries. There, she became the librarian for library and information science. She also helped edit a column for the Reference and User Services Association journal, RQ.
Dr. Dawson continued her education, earning a PhD in Library Science and Higher Education in 1996. She then became a professor at Louisiana State University. She was promoted to the special position of Russell B. Long Professor. She also wrote about the history of the Louisiana Library Association during a time when rules made things unfair for some people. In 2018, she was recognized in American Libraries as a pioneering African American scholar. Dr. Dawson passed away on September 11, 2025.
Helping Students and Libraries
Dr. Dawson cared deeply about helping students and improving libraries. In 1995, she started a program at Louisiana State University to mentor students from diverse backgrounds and international students. She worked with the Louisiana Library Association to make this happen.
In 1997, she received money to create an institute. This institute trained librarians who worked in public libraries and schools. They learned how to choose and evaluate books from many different cultures. She wrote about this important work in the journal Louisiana Libraries.
Project Recovery: Helping After Hurricanes
In 2009, Dr. Dawson received a special grant for a program called "Project Recovery." This program helped students get scholarships to earn master's degrees in librarianship. These students then worked on projects in libraries that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. This helped both the students gain experience and the libraries recover. Suzanne M. Stauffer also helped with this project, focusing on recruiting for public libraries.
Important Writings
Dr. Alma Dawson wrote many important articles and books about libraries and education. Here are a few examples:
- "Educating the Next Generation of Librarians for South Louisiana Libraries: Project Recovery Scholars Tell Their Stories." This article shared the experiences of students who received scholarships from Project Recovery.
- "Rebuilding Community in Louisiana after the Hurricanes of 2005." This writing discussed how libraries helped communities recover after major hurricanes.
- The African-American Reader’s Advisor: A Guide for Readers, Librarians, and Educators. This book, which she edited, helped readers, librarians, and teachers find great books by African American authors.
- A History of the Louisiana Library Association. Dr. Dawson also edited this book, which tells the story of the Louisiana Library Association.
Awards and Special Recognition
Dr. Alma Dawson received many awards for her dedication and hard work:
- In 2005, she received the American Library Association Equality Award. This award honors people who help promote fairness and equal opportunities in the library profession.
- In 2012, she earned the Louisiana Library Association's Meritorious Service Award. This award recognizes librarians who show outstanding leadership and service to the association.
- In 2013, she was given the Advocate for Diversity Award from Louisiana State University.
- In 2015, she was named Emeritus Professor at Louisiana State University. This is a special title given to retired professors who have made significant contributions.
- In 2019, she received the Essae Martha Culver Award from the Louisiana Library Association.
