Lillian Moore Bradshaw and the Dallas Public Library: 'From the Innocent Voyage to the Razor's Edge'

Although there are many leaders in public librarianship, little is known about the contributions and impact of library leaders. Studies relating to the contributions and impact of individual librarians in public libraries during the past thirty to forty years are virtually non-existent. Those that do exist tend to relate to "pioneers." Where does the contemporary student of librarianship turn for portraits of leading librarians or role models?

Libraries are faced with the issue of identifying individuals for positions of leadership and training them accordingly. Given that the leadership, contribution and impact of unique individuals or leaders in the profession can be traced, described and analyzed, such analysis and evaluation can then be reviewed, considered and utilized by leaders in librarianship today.

This study traces, describes and evaluates Lillian Moore Bradshaw's contribution and impact as a library leader within the City of Dallas. Bradshaw has been a public librarian for 46 years and Director of the Dallas Public Library for over 22. This study addresses the mix of philosophy, values, personal characteristics, attitudes and aptitudes, professional skills and style, and political acumen that allowed her to make things happen.

In addition to employing the traditional historical methodology, the technique of oral history was utilized. Lillian Bradshaw was interviewed at length on several occasions, and ten relevant library related figures were interviewed regarding her contribution. The hypothesis tested regarded the relationship between a leader's self-perception or description and that of others who were conversant with the leader's career. All interviews were tape recorded.

Bradshaw's own self-assessment and the assessment of others in the field agree on several points, including: Bradshaw consistently sought an exemplary service oriented system; immersed herself in the community, emphasizing personal relations with people; was a strong visible public library spokesperson; was a staunch proponent and defender of fundamental public library values and beliefs, particularly intellectual freedom; developed a strong service oriented staff, many of whom went on to positions of leadership in the profession; built or rebuilt the entire Dallas Public Library system; and changed the nature of the Public Library to that of a significant City department.