Julius C. Jefferson Jr. (born July 22, 1968) is an American librarian who was president of the

American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with 49,727 members ...

for the 2020-2021 term. In 2022 President Joe Biden appointed him to the National Museum and Library Services Board which advises the agency on general policies with respect to the duties, powers, and authority of the

Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It is the main source of federal support for libraries and museums within the United States, having the ...

relating to museum, library, and information services, as well as the annual selection of National Medals recipients.Jefferson is additionally a section head of the

Congressional Research Service The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a public policy research institute of the United States Congress. Operating within the Library of Congress, it works primarily and directly for members of Congress and their committees and staff on a ...

at the

Library of Congress The Library of Congress (LOC) is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the ''de facto'' national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country. The library ...

,Alumnus Julius C. Jefferson Jr. (BA 2003)
''Howard University''. and served as the president of the

Freedom to Read Foundation The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is an American non-profit anti-censorship organization, established in 1969 by the American Library Association.Samek, Toni (2007). Librarianship and Human Rights: a twenty-first century guide. Cambridge: Woodh ...

from 2013 to 2016. Jefferson was born in

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

as the 4th generation in a family. His father worked as an archivist at the

National Archives and Records Administration The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an " independent federal agency of the United States government within the executive branch", charged with the preservation and documentation of government and historical records. It ...

, and his mother was a technical specialist at the ALA. He originally dreamed of being a drummer for

Earth, Wind & Fire Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F or EWF) is an American band whose music spans the genres of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, big band, Latin, and Afro pop. They are among the best-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million reco ...

, but credits his inspiration of working in libraries to

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (January 24, 1874 – June 10, 1938), was a historian, writer, collector, and activist. Schomburg was a Puerto Rican of African and German descent. He moved to the United States in 1891, where he researched and raised awa ...

, and claimed to become a

bibliophile Bibliophilia or bibliophilism is the love of books. A bibliophile or bookworm is an individual who loves and frequently reads and/or collects books. Profile The classic bibliophile is one who loves to read, admire and collect books, often ama ...

. Jefferson received a B.A. in history from

Howard University Howard University (Howard) is a Private university, private, University charter#Federal, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. It is Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, classifie ...

and an MLS from the

University of Maryland The University of Maryland, College Park (University of Maryland, UMD, or simply Maryland) is a public land-grant research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, UMD is the flagship institution of the University System of M ...

. He has served on the Executive Board of the

Black Caucus of the American Library Association The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA) that focuses on the needs of African American library professionals by promoting careers in librarianship, funding literacy in ...

(2007–2009) and is a member. He served as president of the

and president of the

District of Columbia Library Association The District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA) is a professional organization for District of Columbia's librarians and library workers. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., was founded on June 15, 1894, as the Library Association of Wash ...

American Library Association

Jefferson was the first American Library Association president whose presidency was virtual due to

Covid-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease quickly ...

. During his presidency as part of his broader work to build relationships and strengthen connections Jefferson established "Holding Space: A national conversation series with libraries" – a nationwide virtual tour to highlight the innovation and impact of a diverse range of libraries and engage stakeholders to advocate for libraries and the communities they serve. Prior to his election as president Jefferson held many positions within the Association. He has served on the Executive Board and Council. As chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the American Library Association Jefferson initiated Intellectual Freedom Summer School.

International Federation of Library Associations

Jefferson is Chair of the

International Federation of Library Associations The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of people who rely on libraries and information professionals. An independent, non-governmental, not-for-pr ...

(IFLA) North America Regional Division. In this capacity he advocates and identifies priorities for the region and defines and delivers action plans that respond to these.The IFLA North America Regional Division covers Canada and the United States of America.

Awards

In 2021 Jefferson was honored with the Distinguished Terrapin Award by the University of Maryland iSchool for excelling in his field of expertise and providing value to the communities in which he serves. Jefferson received the Ainsworth Rand Spofford President's Award from the District of Columbia Library Association in 2019. In 2019 Jeferson was honored with the ALA Equality Award (with Lorelle R. Swader) for his commitment to diversity and inclusion with a focus on the rights of underrepresented library workers. He has been honored with the BCALA Outstanding Contribution to Publishing Award (2013) and the BCALA Appreciation Award.(2010)

Publications

Jefferson is co-editor of the 2012 volume, ''The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges'', and has worked to get more Black men into the library profession.Jackson, Andrew P., Julius Jefferson, and Akilah Nosakhere. ''The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges.'' Rowman, 2012.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jefferson, Julius C. Howard University alumni Presidents of the American Library Association African-American librarians American librarians 1968 births Living people University of Maryland, College Park alumni Librarians at the Library of Congress 21st-century African-American people 20th-century African-American people