John Cotton Dana
John Cotton Dana | |
|---|---|
| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office 1895–1896 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Munson Utley |
| Succeeded by | William Howard Brett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 19, 1856 Woodstock, Vermont, United States |
| Died | July 21, 1929 (aged 72) Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Spouse |
Adine Rowena Wagener
(m. 1888) |
| Education | Dartmouth College |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | Founder of the Newark Museum |
John Cotton Dana (August 19, 1856, in Woodstock, Vermont – July 21, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey) was an American library and museum director who sought to make these cultural institutions relevant to the daily lives of citizens. As a public librarian for forty years Dana promoted the benefits of reading, pioneered direct access to shelved materials, and innovated specialized library services of all types.