Jessie Carney Smith facts for kids

Jessie Carney Smith, born on September 24, 1930, is an amazing American librarian, teacher, and author. She used to be the head librarian at Fisk University and held a special teaching position there. She made history by being the first African American to get a Ph.D. in library science from the University of Illinois. Jessie Carney Smith is also famous for writing many books about important African-American people.

Early Life and Education

Jessie Carney was born on September 24, 1930, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her parents were James Ampler Carney and Vesona (Bigelow) Carney. She went to James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro.

College Years

Jessie Carney Smith earned her first degree, a B.S. in home economics, in 1950. She graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. Later, she continued her studies. In 1956, she received her M.A. degree in child development from Michigan State University. The next year, in 1957, she earned her M.A.L.S. degree in library science. This degree was from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.

A Career in Libraries

Jessie Carney Smith started her career at Fisk University in 1956. She first worked as a clerk typist in the religion and English departments. Soon after, she moved to the university library.

Working with Arna Bontemps

At the library, she became an assistant to the head librarian, Arna Bontemps. He was the first Black person to hold that important position. Bontemps saw her talent and encouraged her to become his replacement one day.

Becoming a Doctor of Library Science

In 1957, Smith also began working as a teacher and library cataloger. This was at Tennessee State University. She decided to go back to school in 1960. She joined a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois. In 1964, she achieved a major milestone. Jessie Carney Smith became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in library science from that university.

Leading the Fisk University Library

After earning her Ph.D., Smith returned to Fisk University. In 1965, she was hired as a professor of library science. She also took over from Arna Bontemps as the head librarian. This made her the first Black woman to hold that important role at Fisk.

In 1969, Fisk University opened a brand new library building. It was called the Fisk University Library. Smith played a big part in designing and planning this new building. She also managed the huge task of moving all the library's books and collections. She organized workshops on many topics. These included black studies, civil rights, and genealogy (family history). She also taught library science at other universities. These included the University of Tennessee, Alabama A&M University, and Vanderbilt University.

In 1992, Smith received a special honor at Fisk University. She was given the Camille Cosby Distinguished Chair in the Humanities. She was then appointed dean of the Fisk University library in 2010. After many years of dedicated work, she retired in 2020.

Helping Others and Writing Books

Jessie Carney Smith also worked as a consultant for several important U.S. organizations. These included the U.S. Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Office of Education. She also advised the National Endowment for the Humanities.

She has written and edited more than 30 books. Many of her books focus on important African-American people. She wrote three books called Notable Black American Women. She also wrote two books called Notable Black American Men. Other books she wrote include Black Heroes of the Twentieth Century and Freedom Facts and Firsts: 400 Years of the African American Civil Rights Experience.

Awards and Special Recognition

Jessie Carney Smith is well-known for her work as an African-American studies scholar. She has received many awards for her work in libraries and as an author.

Honored for Her Work

In 1982, she received the Martin Luther King Black Authors Award. She was also given the National Women's Book Association Award in 1992. That same year, she received the Candace Award for excellence in education. She also earned special alumni awards from both Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and the University of Illinois.

In 1985, the Association of College and Research Libraries named her the Academic/Research Librarian of the Year. In 1997, she received the key to the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

When she retired in 2020, Fisk University gave her the title of Librarian Emerita. This means she is still honored for her past work at the library.

Selected Books

• Originals!: Black Women Breaking Barriers. 2022.
• The Complete Encyclopedia of African American History. 2015.
• The Complete Encyclopedia of African American History. Heroes and Heroines. 2014.
• Freedom Facts and Firsts: 400 Years of the African American Civil Rights Experience. 2009.
• Epic Lives: One Hundred Black Women Who Made a Difference. 1993.
• Images of Blacks in American Culture: A Reference Guide to Information Sources. 1988.