Joseph Becker

Life

Joseph Becker (1923-1995) was a library consultant and networking specialist who "defined information science as the study of how people 'create, use and communicate information.'" - Tefko Saracevic

He received his MSLS from Catholic University in 1955.

For additional information see Hayes, R. M. (1996). In memoriam: Joseph Becker. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 47(6), 412-414.

(All information concerning Becker's work with The Information Society Journal was taken from the ISI homepage http://www.isnet.com/about/ aboutisi.html)

He died on July 23, 1995.

Image: https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog/ark:/21198/zz002cxcv0

Relevant Employment

• Becker & Hayes, Inc.
• CIA

Contributions

President, Becker & Hayes, Inc.; Lilley-Trice consider him a networking specialist, and that his principal contribution was his work toward a national information network; Designed Library/USA for the 1962 and 1964 World's Fairs [which included pioneering computer search system demonstrations for the visitor]; 1966-1970 Vice-Pres. and later Pres. of EDUCOM; Co-authored "Information Storage and Retrieval" with Robert Hayes; Believe worked on information retrieval at CIA on other security agencies--secret projects; Very influential in the early federal efforts to develop and implement advanced data processing to large and complex information systems, including traditional libraries; A major library consultant; Agreed to serve as Editor-In-Chief of The Information Society Journal, which deals with the broad social issues created by the information age; Took the lead in establishing an advisory board and an editorial board for the journal; The editorial board consisted of well known computer, information, and social scientists; Arranged to have the journal published by the publishing house of Crane and Rusack; The first issue appeared in 1981 and TIS is now in its 12th volume; member of National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS), 1971-79; held adjunct faculty appointments at Catholic University of America, the University of Pittsburgh and UCLA; President of the University of the World.

From his obituary in the New York Times (July 27, 1995), "Joseph Becker, 72, Information Expert": "Mr. Becker was a consultant to the World Bank, the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization and foreign governments on information and communications technology. He computerized the Central Intelligence Agency's records before leaving the agency in 1968, and was awarded the C.I.A.'s Intelligence Medal of Merit. Mr. Becker, a native of the Bronx, wrote a number of books on computer applications to information science, and was the co-author, with Robert Hayes, of "Information Storage and Retrieval" in 1963. He later became president of Becker & Hayes, a consulting firm on library science and information technology. In 1971 he was appointed to the National Commission of Libraries and Information Science, where he served until 1979. From 1984 until his death, Mr. Becker worked closely with University of the World, a nonprofit group that uses computer technology to distribute educational resources to underdeveloped countries."

From his obituary in the Los Angeles Times (August 5, 1995), "Joseph Becker, Computer Data Storage Expert": "Becker was founder and editor of an international journal called the Information Society and wrote several books on information processing, including “National Information Policy: A Report to the President of the United States” and “The Handbook of Data Processing for Libraries.” He also wrote a work for children, “The First Book of Information Science and Technology,” and organized library-of-the-future exhibits for the New York and Seattle world’s fairs.

Robert Hayes (1995) wrote that in "1958, that the American Library Association commissioned Joe to conceptualize a "library of the future" as the centerpiece for an ALA exhibit at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. Later that assignment was repeated for the New York World's Fair in 1964. In each case, working with staff of the ALA and especially with Alphonse Trezza, Joe created the ideas and assembled the set of industrial participants, Univac and IBM, in particular. Those two exhibits were landmarks in preparation of the library profession for effective use of computers." "With Randall Rice as co-contractor, he wrote functional building plans for some of the nation's largest academic and public libraries, including those in Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Rochester and Seattle."

Awards

• 1966 Intelligence Award of Merit (CIA)
• 1971 Best Information Science Book (ASIS)
• 1975 Outstanding Information Science Non-Print Media (ASIS)
• 1984 Award of Merit (ASIS)
• 1991 Honorary Life Membership (SLA)
• 1992 Honorary Member (ALA)

Offices

• President, Information and Automation Division (ALA) 1968
• ASIS President 1969
• Chairman, Section T (American Association for the Advancement of Science).

Further reading

• Hayes, Robert M. "Joseph Becker: A Lifetime of Service to the Profession of Library and Information Science." Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science 22, issue 1 (Oct/Nov 1995): 24-26. [1]

Papers

LOCATION #1:

• INCLUDES: According to Robert Hayes, plans are for the Becker family to deposit his personal/professional papers with the UCLA Special Collections Division; Becker & Hayes Co. files will also be deposited there.

• SOURCE: Conversation with Robert Hayes, 9/95.