Katharine Lucinda Sharp Memorial

Lorado Taft sculpted this bronze plaque in 1921. It is a low relief, half-sized portrait from a photograph and the dimensions are 48" by 35 ½". The plaque depicts Katherine Lucinda Sharp, who was the director of the Library School from 1893 to 1907. She is credited as the founder of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, though the graduate programs weren't introduced until 1911. Until 1978, the Library School was located on the third floor of the Library. This plaque was a gift presented by the Library School Alumni in 1921. Its inscription reads "Nobility of character and grace of person were united with intellectual vigor and scholarly attainments. She inspired her students and associates with sound standards of librarianship and ideals of service." It is in the hallway outside of the Library and Information Science library on the third floor.