In Memoriam: Dr. Lorna Peterson (ALISE President, 2010-2011)

The ALISE community mourns the loss of Dr. Lorna Peterson, a distinguished educator, advocate, and leader who served as ALISE President from 2010 to 2011. Dr. Peterson’s dedication to equity, diversity, and social justice left an indelible mark on our field and inspired both colleagues, students, and the broader field of library and information science.

Throughout her career, Dr. Peterson conducted research that illuminated critical issues of racial and social diversity in LIS education and practice. Her leadership and service were honored with the ALISE Service Award in 2013, celebrating her lasting impact on our organization.

Following her inspiring President’s Program on diversity at the 2011 ALISE Annual Conference, Dr. Peterson established the ALISE Diversity Taskforce, which was charged with developing an ALISE Statement on Diversity. This initiative solidified ALISE’s long-term commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable professional environment, reflecting Dr. Peterson’s belief in the transformative power of diversity within LIS.

Dr. Peterson’s legacy also includes her heroic efforts to preserve Clark Atlanta University’s LIS program, a historic institution established in 1941 that has graduated generations of African American librarians and leaders attuned to cultural diversity. Her effort to protect this program exemplified her dedication to expanding representation and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in LIS.

In honor of her service and commitment, ALISE reaffirms its dedication to the values Dr. Peterson espoused. Her work continues to inspire us as we strive to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in LIS education. Her influence remains in the ALISE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Taskforce, in her published scholarship, and in the countless lives she touched.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Peterson’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, leadership, and compassion.