Lowell Martin: The Shaping of a Public Library Leader

When Dr. Lowell Martin (1912–2003) was interviewed by the author and Dr. Caroline Coughlin in 1997, our initial questions arose from our connections with the Rutgers Graduate School of Library Service, of which he was the founding dean (1953–1959). Taking a fresh look at the interview record now reveals the importance of Martin’s early experiences working in the Chicago Public Library and studying at the University of Chicago’s Graduate Library School. This article examines the influence that Chicago institutions and individuals had on his long career as educator, writer, consultant, and leader. In the interview, Martin gave credit to specific influencers, but the overall nature and impact of his Chicago years are clearly visible in his work across decades.