Roger McDonough: NJ State Librarian and Master Politician Robin Brown, MLS, MA 12/17/15

The Early years Began working for Rutgers Libraries as an undergraduate. Worked as a reference librarian for Rutgers while commuting to Columbia for a 5th year undergraduate degree in library science. Was hired as Director of New Brunswick PL in New Brunswick Public Library Showed a gift for publicity. Had a regular column in the local paper (book reviews, library events). When he departed to join the Air Force, his departure, replacement and return were all covered by the paper.

Post war economic boom The modern state was built during the post-war economic boom. The New Jersey Turnpike was opened in 1953, and the Garden State Parkway was opened in Many of the suburban communities in South Jersey were created out of farmland in the immediate post-war period. The State Library was very active in the formation of public libraries and public library networks.

New Jersey State Librarian Getting things done: He was the first professional State Librarian for New Jersey. Created networks of library cooperation that are still standing today. A modern State Library-- including a law library to serve the legislature. Worked hard to raise library salaries and make librarianship a professional career. The graduate school of library science at Rutgers (1954). New Jersey State Cultural Center including the State Library (1965).

Politics McDonough was described as an “Irishman with a gift for persuasion.” He also knew how to cultivate his paymasters. He was determined that the State Library would have a division to serve the Legislature. He pushed multiple public library aid bills through the Legislature. He used survey research to construct a political argument. Regular Annual Reports of the State Library pushed his current agenda.

History McDonough developed an extensive partnership with Richard McCormick, Sr., who many credit with “inventing “ New Jersey history as a field. McDonough, John Cunningham and McCormick were at the head of the New Jersey Tercentenary (1964)

ALA Very active as a lobbyist for ALA through his whole career. He was president of ALA The convention transcripts from that time period are extraordinary. The racial, political, gender and generational stresses nearly pulled the Association apart.

End of an Era The early Seventies were the end of the post-war boom time. Nixon is in office, and Vietnam is sucking the life out of the Federal budget. This began a period of frustration for the lobbying efforts. When McDonough retired he was hired as a lobbyist by the New Jersey Library Association.