Robert S. Martin

Dr. Robert S. Martin at the UNC School of Information and Library Science in 2017

Robert S. Martin, Ph.D. (born 1949) is an American librarian, archivist, administrator, and educator. He is Professor Emeritus, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s University, where he was the Lillian M. Bradshaw Endowed Chair until his retirement in 2008.

From 2001 to 2005, Martin was the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS),^[1] and he served concurrently as the acting chair of the National Endowment for the Arts from Oct. 2001 to Jan. 2002.^[2] He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the National Council for the Humanities,^[3] the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO,^[4] and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

On November 17, 2008, President George W. Bush awarded Martin the Presidential Citizens Medal “for his leadership in strengthening libraries and museums across the country.”^[5] The medal is the second-highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Martin is a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists^[6] and a Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University ^[7] and the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS).^[8]

Education

Doctor of Philosophy, Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1988 ^[10]

Master of Library Science, University of North Texas, 1979 ^[11]

Bachelor of Arts, History, Rice University, 1971 ^[7]

Career

In 2001, Martin was nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS.)^[1] Martin was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, becoming the first librarian to serve in this role.^[1]

During his tenure, IMLS launched the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21), which awards grants to enhance the training and professional development of library and archives professionals, develop faculty and library leaders, and recruit and educate the next generation of library and archives professionals. LB21’s overarching goal is to support the development of a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public.^[12]

Martin also oversaw the establishment of the Museums for America program, which supports projects that strengthen the ability of an individual museum to serve its public.^[1][13]

In accordance with legislation governing IMLS, Martin’s term as director concluded after four years in 2005.^[14]

Throughout his career, Martin held elected and appointed positions in numerous professional organizations, including the American Library Association, Association for Library and Information Science Education, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Louisiana Archives and Manuscripts Association, National Association of Governments Archivists and Records Administrators, Society of American Archivists, Society of Southwest Archivists, Urban Libraries Council, and the Texas Map Society.

Honors

External image

President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Dr. Robert S. Martin, former director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Martin’s most prestigious honor came unexpectedly at the ceremonial presentation of the 2008 National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals, which both President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush attended. After the conclusion of the anticipated program, President Bush surprised attendees by awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to four outstanding leaders in the arts, including Martin.

External video

2008 National Medals of Arts and Humanities Awards Ceremony

President Bush praised Martin for helping to “preserve our treasured collections and bring libraries and museums into the 21st century with new technology.” In his commendation, Martin was hailed as someone who had “dedicated his career to the management of libraries. As a librarian, archivist, administrator, and educator, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to lifelong learning. The United States honors Robert Martin for his leadership in strengthening libraries and museums across the country.”^[15]

Most Notable Honors and Awards

Presidential Citizens Medal ^[15]

Distinguished Alumnus, Rice University ^[7]

Fellow of the Society of American Archivists ^[6]

Lifetime Achievement Award, Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas ^[11]

Doctor of Humane Letter Honoris Causa, Dominican University

Council Exemplary Service Award, Society of American Archivists ^[16]

Distinguished Service Award, Texas Library Association ^[17]

Distinguished Alumnus, UNC School of Information and Library Science ^[8]

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Southwest Archivists ^[18]

Justin Winsor Prize, Library History Round Table, American Library Association

Publications

Martin’s publications include Maps of Texas and the Southwest, 1513–1900 (1984, 1999) and Contours of Discovery: Printed Maps Delineating the Texas and Southwestern Chapters of the Cartographic History of North America, 1513–1930 (1982).

He has authored numerous refereed and invited articles in annuals and journals including Advances in Librarianship, Texas Library Journal, Library Hi Tech, Libraries and Culture, American Archivist, Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarianship, Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, North Carolina Libraries, Journal of Library History, and Southwestern Historical Quarterly.

Dissertation: Martin, Robert Sidney. Louis Round Wilson at the University of North Carolina, 1901-1932. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1988. 805p. Advisor: Edward G. Holley.^[19]

Personal

Known as "Bob" Martin to friends and many colleagues.^[20] Married to Barbara Stein Martin, Professor Emeritus, College of Information, University of North Texas.^[21]

References