Louis J. Bailey Papers
S 50
1916-1935
2 folders

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Processed by: Benjamin J. Clark, September 2005

Biographical Note:

Louis Bailey was born in New York circa 1881. His career as a librarian can be traced to 1908, when he worked for the Gary Public Library, in Gary, Indiana. He worked at the Gary Public Library until 1922, and in 1925 he began his tenure as the Indiana State Librarian, a position he held until 1935. He finished his library career as Chief Librarian at the Queensborough Library, New York, retiring in 1953. Bailey served as a consultant in the establishment of the United States National Archives building in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he was the director of the H.W. Wilson Company, which published a professional library journal. In 1933 Bailey was awarded lifetime membership in the Indiana Library Association and the American Library Association. Beginning in 1929, he served for a time as the president of the National Association of State Libraries. Louis Bailey died on October 19, 1962 at a hospital in Jamaica, New York.

Sources:
”Bailey Honored by Librarians.” Indianapolis Star. 8 Dec. 1933: 15.
Indiana State Library. Indiana Biography Series. Vol. 61. 33.
”State Library Activities Outlined by Indianan.” Indianapolis News. 15 May 1929: 14.

Scope and Content Note:

This is a collection of Bailey’s papers, especially relating to books, Indiana history, and American and Indiana libraries. Bailey collected these papers and publications during his tenure as director of the Indiana State Library. The collection includes brochures, pamphlets, articles, clippings, correspondence, speeches, and memoranda.

Box and Folder or Item Listing:

Collection Information:

Photocopying Policy:

Manuscript materials CANNOT be photocopied or digitized in their entirety. Photocopies and/or digital images cannot exceed 25% of a collection or a folder within a collection. In some cases, photocopying may not be permitted due to the condition of the item. Check with a Manuscript Librarian for other options.