Carl H. Milam
Encyclopedia
Carl H. Milam held many positions and made many contributions to the field of American Library Science. He was noted in an issue of American Libraries as one of the one hundred "most important leaders we had in the 20th century". Known mostly for his lengthy career at the American Library Association
(1920–1948), Milam served as a leader in the association and earned the title “Mr. ALA”. Mentioned throughout the pages of A History of the American Library Association 1876-1972, Milam has proved to be an influential figure in his long history at the ALA and in the field of librarianship. Carl Milam was at the forefront in providing ideas, public relations strategies, services throughout World War I
and World War II
, and work in the international field.
, who is known for leading troops into San Antonio in the “settlers’ 1835 revolt against Mexico”. He married Nell Robinson in May 1910 and they adopted a daughter, Margery, in 1914. They eventually had a child in 1918 and they named her Mary. Although he was a very busy man, he recorded his pastimes such as gardening and fishing in the diary he kept while he was at the UN library.
, after he completed a major in English at the University of Oklahoma
. He began to search for a career and finally landed a job at the library at Purdue University. He took positions following this one on the Indiana Public Library Commission and later as director of the Birmingham Public Library
. It was at the Birmingham Public Library
that he was able to promote the value of public libraries to the public, raise funds, and expand the library system drastically to six branches. He would use the skills he gained through these positions to become a leader in the ALA.
saw many changes in ways of life and in librarianship as well. In 1917, Milam put his career at the Birmingham Public Library
on hold in order to be a part of the Library War Service. This organization was labeled as one of the “Seven Sisters” in wartime, in a similar category with organizations that provided services to those involved with the war. Camp libraries were set up for those serving overseas, and librarians agreed that they played a pivotal role in educating the public and establishing national identity.
Herbert Putnam
, director of the organization, traveled overseas in December 1918 and placed Milam in the position of interim director, though he would later become permanent director. He was responsible for the general operating of the organization and had a considerable number of tasks related to local and overseas co-ordination. Milam proved to be a central figure in the wartime effort and the Library War Service did much for librarians in the areas of "exposure and funding". Following the war, Milam wanted to ensure that the progress and exposure libraries and librarianship had gained would remain and he became director of the "Enlarged Program" in 1919. Milam had believed that this program would "continue on that scale to the glory of libraries and the ALA", but funding was a major issue and they were unable to maintain the program.
During World War II
and while with the ALA, Milam began to strategize and develop plans for the period following the war. He worked with a number of individuals to provide figures which illustrated that the field of library science would be able to employ many librarians and ex-servicemen and women following the war. Around the time, Milam was especially outspoken, sharing his opinions on policies with the government and providing suggestions to the Librarian of Congress.
, not only because of his long career there, but because of appointments of the president only lasted one year in length at the ALA. Therefore, the secretary and executive secretary kept the momentum going and the association would essentially rest on his shoulders. He was able to make recommendations to the executive board and other committees within the Association showing an unprecedented amount of leadership throughout his time there. Peggy Sullivan
outlines that many of Milam’s ideas or proposals would end up in the minutes of executive meetings followed by the statement “at the recommendation of the secretary.”
Milam focused his efforts on areas of personnel, finances and fund raising, aid from the federal government, as well as public relations. Notably, he pushed for pensions and annuities for the staff and was generally successful in these areas. The end was bittersweet due to criticisms of his work toward the end of his ALA career. He was eventually nominated for president of the ALA in the year following his resignation, 1949, but the whole situation would prove to be an embarrassment due to the previous criticisms and he was not elected.
Milam’s career at the ALA offered him many opportunities to work and attend conferences abroad and in Latin America. As part of the International Relations Office at the ALA, he went on several trips visiting and getting to know the people and the libraries abroad. He worked closely with Sarah C.N. Bogle
, director of the American Library in Paris education program, for a number of years and considered the library his office while traveling in Paris. International work with the ALA had developed as an area of interest for him , and when the United Nations
position was offered to him, it is not surprising that he took interest.
Library during the criticism he was facing at the ALA, he weighed the pros and cons of accepting the position and accepted. With the official title of “Director of the Division of Library Services”, he focused on “his chief concerns” of “budget and personnel”. This was probably due to his successes in these areas in his previous positions. He and the UN library had identified problem areas such as organization within the library and within personnel, and Milam developed solutions. He wrote about these experiences in his personal diary which he kept throughout his time in the position from 1948-1950. Dale argues that “his arrival marked the beginning of two of the most exciting years in the history of the United Nations Library.” Milam had much to offer the United Nations Library and certainly left his mark in the profession of library science throughout his career. He respectfully resigned in order to care for his ill wife in 1950, but he continued to be a prominent figure in the field until his death in the summer of 1963.
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit 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 more than 62,000 members....
(1920–1948), Milam served as a leader in the association and earned the title “Mr. ALA”. Mentioned throughout the pages of A History of the American Library Association 1876-1972, Milam has proved to be an influential figure in his long history at the ALA and in the field of librarianship. Carl Milam was at the forefront in providing ideas, public relations strategies, services throughout World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and work in the international field.
Personal life
Although Milam was born in Kansas, he has roots in Oklahoma as he spent his childhood there. He grew up on a family farm and was related to Benjamin MilamBenjamin Milam
Benjamin Rush "Ben" Milam was a leading figure in the Texas Revolution. Milam County, Texas was named in his honor. He was born in Kentucky.- Early life :...
, who is known for leading troops into San Antonio in the “settlers’ 1835 revolt against Mexico”. He married Nell Robinson in May 1910 and they adopted a daughter, Margery, in 1914. They eventually had a child in 1918 and they named her Mary. Although he was a very busy man, he recorded his pastimes such as gardening and fishing in the diary he kept while he was at the UN library.
Education and early career
Milam attended New York State Library School, established by Melvil DeweyMelvil Dewey
Melville Louis Kossuth Dewey was an American librarian and educator, inventor of the Dewey Decimal system of library classification, and a founder of the Lake Placid Club....
, after he completed a major in English at the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
. He began to search for a career and finally landed a job at the library at Purdue University. He took positions following this one on the Indiana Public Library Commission and later as director of the Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Public Library
For the main library in Birmingham, England see, Birmingham Central Library.The Birmingham Public Library, a well-respected and one of the largest library systems in the southeastern United States, consists of 19 branches and a main or central library located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama...
. It was at the Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Public Library
For the main library in Birmingham, England see, Birmingham Central Library.The Birmingham Public Library, a well-respected and one of the largest library systems in the southeastern United States, consists of 19 branches and a main or central library located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama...
that he was able to promote the value of public libraries to the public, raise funds, and expand the library system drastically to six branches. He would use the skills he gained through these positions to become a leader in the ALA.
War time
World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
saw many changes in ways of life and in librarianship as well. In 1917, Milam put his career at the Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Public Library
For the main library in Birmingham, England see, Birmingham Central Library.The Birmingham Public Library, a well-respected and one of the largest library systems in the southeastern United States, consists of 19 branches and a main or central library located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama...
on hold in order to be a part of the Library War Service. This organization was labeled as one of the “Seven Sisters” in wartime, in a similar category with organizations that provided services to those involved with the war. Camp libraries were set up for those serving overseas, and librarians agreed that they played a pivotal role in educating the public and establishing national identity.
Herbert Putnam
Herbert Putnam
Herbert Putnam was an American lawyer, publisher, and librarian. He was the eighth Librarian of the United States Congress from 1899 to 1939.-Biography:...
, director of the organization, traveled overseas in December 1918 and placed Milam in the position of interim director, though he would later become permanent director. He was responsible for the general operating of the organization and had a considerable number of tasks related to local and overseas co-ordination. Milam proved to be a central figure in the wartime effort and the Library War Service did much for librarians in the areas of "exposure and funding". Following the war, Milam wanted to ensure that the progress and exposure libraries and librarianship had gained would remain and he became director of the "Enlarged Program" in 1919. Milam had believed that this program would "continue on that scale to the glory of libraries and the ALA", but funding was a major issue and they were unable to maintain the program.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and while with the ALA, Milam began to strategize and develop plans for the period following the war. He worked with a number of individuals to provide figures which illustrated that the field of library science would be able to employ many librarians and ex-servicemen and women following the war. Around the time, Milam was especially outspoken, sharing his opinions on policies with the government and providing suggestions to the Librarian of Congress.
American Library Association (1920-1948)
Carl Milam proved to be a pivotal figure in the American Library AssociationAmerican Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit 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 more than 62,000 members....
, not only because of his long career there, but because of appointments of the president only lasted one year in length at the ALA. Therefore, the secretary and executive secretary kept the momentum going and the association would essentially rest on his shoulders. He was able to make recommendations to the executive board and other committees within the Association showing an unprecedented amount of leadership throughout his time there. Peggy Sullivan
Peggy Sullivan
Peggy Sullivan, who currently resides in Chicago, IL, serves as a Library Consultant. She specializes in executive searches, primarily in public libraries...
outlines that many of Milam’s ideas or proposals would end up in the minutes of executive meetings followed by the statement “at the recommendation of the secretary.”
Milam focused his efforts on areas of personnel, finances and fund raising, aid from the federal government, as well as public relations. Notably, he pushed for pensions and annuities for the staff and was generally successful in these areas. The end was bittersweet due to criticisms of his work toward the end of his ALA career. He was eventually nominated for president of the ALA in the year following his resignation, 1949, but the whole situation would prove to be an embarrassment due to the previous criticisms and he was not elected.
Milam’s career at the ALA offered him many opportunities to work and attend conferences abroad and in Latin America. As part of the International Relations Office at the ALA, he went on several trips visiting and getting to know the people and the libraries abroad. He worked closely with Sarah C.N. Bogle
Sarah C.N. Bogle
Sarah C. N. Bogle’s career was most noted for her influence in establishing education for librarianship. Her achievements lay in creating a system which enabled the American Library Association to accredit existing library school programs...
, director of the American Library in Paris education program, for a number of years and considered the library his office while traveling in Paris. International work with the ALA had developed as an area of interest for him , and when the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
position was offered to him, it is not surprising that he took interest.
United Nations Library (1948-1950)
When Milam was offered a position at the United NationsUnited Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Library during the criticism he was facing at the ALA, he weighed the pros and cons of accepting the position and accepted. With the official title of “Director of the Division of Library Services”, he focused on “his chief concerns” of “budget and personnel”. This was probably due to his successes in these areas in his previous positions. He and the UN library had identified problem areas such as organization within the library and within personnel, and Milam developed solutions. He wrote about these experiences in his personal diary which he kept throughout his time in the position from 1948-1950. Dale argues that “his arrival marked the beginning of two of the most exciting years in the history of the United Nations Library.” Milam had much to offer the United Nations Library and certainly left his mark in the profession of library science throughout his career. He respectfully resigned in order to care for his ill wife in 1950, but he continued to be a prominent figure in the field until his death in the summer of 1963.