Joseph Becker

Life

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

For additional information see the obituary notice in JASIS, June 1996. (All information concerning Becker's work with The Information Society Journal was taken from the ISI homepage http://www.isnet.com/about/ aboutisi.html)

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; "Defined information science as the study of how people 'create, use and communicate information'" (Tefko Saracevic); 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.

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 (AAAS)

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.