Arnette Scott Ward

Arnette Scott Ward was an influential American librarian, archivist, and historian dedicated to preserving and promoting African American history and culture. Her career, primarily spent at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), was marked by a profound commitment to building archival collections and mentoring future generations of information professionals. Ward's leadership in professional organizations like the American Library Association and the North Carolina Library Association helped advance diversity and representation within the field of librarianship.

Early life and education

Born in 1927 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ward was raised in a community that valued education and cultural heritage. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Winston-Salem State University, a historically Black institution, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her passion for knowledge and organization led her to further her education in the field of library science at the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, from which she received a Master of Science in Library Science. This foundational period equipped her with the professional skills she would later apply to her groundbreaking work in archival collection development.

Career

Ward's professional career was centered at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where she served for over three decades. She joined the staff of the James E. Shepard Memorial Library, eventually rising to the position of Head of the Archives and Special Collections department. In this role, she was instrumental in acquiring, processing, and making accessible invaluable materials related to the African American experience in North Carolina and the broader American South. Her efforts significantly expanded collections documenting African American churches, civil rights organizations, and local community histories. Beyond her archival work, Ward was a dedicated educator, teaching courses in library science and history at NCCU and mentoring countless students. She was also an active member of the American Library Association, the Society of American Archivists, and served as president of the North Carolina Library Association, advocating for greater diversity within the profession.

Personal life

Arnette Scott Ward was known to colleagues and friends as a private yet deeply principled individual whose personal and professional lives were closely aligned. She was a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, an institution whose historical records she often helped to preserve. While much of her energy was devoted to her work, she maintained strong ties to her family in Winston-Salem and was a respected figure in the Durham, North Carolina community where she lived and worked. Her commitment to her faith and community underscored the values that guided her professional mission to safeguard cultural memory.

Legacy and honors

Arnette Scott Ward's legacy is firmly rooted in the robust archival collections she built and the paths she paved for minority librarians. The Archives and Special Collections at North Carolina Central University stand as a lasting testament to her vision and diligence. In recognition of her contributions, she received the American Library Association's Gale Cengage Learning Award for excellence in reference and adult services. Furthermore, the North Carolina Library Association established an award in her name to honor individuals who demonstrate outstanding service in promoting African American librarianship. Her work continues to support researchers, historians, and students exploring the rich tapestry of African American history, ensuring that vital narratives are preserved for future generations. Category:American librarians Category:American archivists Category:African-American historians Category:1927 births Category:2003 deaths