Ernestine Rose and the Harlem Public Library: Theory Testing Using Historical Sources

• Other Authors: Skinner, Julia C. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Library science; Information science; History
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-9684

This dissertation focused on the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library, located in the Harlem neighborhood. It focused on the library under the leadership of Ernestine Rose, who was the head librarian from 1920-1942. During this time, the library became a community center with diverse and vibrant programming, and an important influence on the Harlem Renaissance. This study focuses on a longer time period than has been examined previously, and also introduces theory testing to the document analysis, which is an underused method of historical analysis in Information Studies currently. This study uses the theory of Information Worlds, which contextualizes information behaviors within the social worlds individuals inhabit, and introduces the Change in Historic Institutions model, which provides a framework for describing change events. === A Dissertation submitted to the School of Information in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Summer Semester 2015. === May 29, 2015. === Ernestine Rose, Harlem, library history, New York, public library, theory testing === Includes bibliographical references. === Melissa Gross, Professor Directing Dissertation; Jennifer Koslow, University Representative; Gary Burnett, Committee Member; Richard J. Urban, Committee Member.