Biography for Ms. Elizabeth Owens

Elizabeth Owens died August 18, 1994, at the age of 94. Ms Owens served as President of the Special Libraries Association in 1950 -1951, membership chair in 1947-1948, and St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter liaison officer in 1948-1949. She was presented with the SLA Professional Award in 1957 for her "contribution to the field of special librarianship.as a librarian, consultant, teacher, lecturer, public speaker, editor and author." Ms Owens presented the keynote address at the 1959 SLA National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1966 she was elected to the Special Libraries Association Hall of Fame.

Ms Owns was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the St. Louis Library School. She worked as a children's librarian at the St. Louis Public Library and branch librarian in Long Beach, California, before returning to St. Louis as librarian at Mercantile Trust Company. She became a corporate officer at Mercantile Trust Company in 1950. She joined Union Electric Company as Librarian in 1952 and retired as Chief Librarian in 1967.  She was an active member in American Library Association, The Missouri Library Association, and the St. Louis Library Club. She was a John Cotton Dana lecturer and taught Library Science courses at Washington University. Ms Owens shared some early memories at the 1991 St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter of SLA's 50 year anniversary celebration.  

Ms Owens was included in Who's Who in American Women as a book reviewer, teacher, and librarian. Downtown St. Louis recognized Ms Owens's achievements and honored her as the Professional Woman of the Year in 1957. She continued for many years after her retirement to be active in committee work for colleges and organizations.

She was survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service was conducted on September 4, 1994.

Her varied interests lead to submitting a theme entry for the Veiled Prophet Parade which was accepted in 1964. She described in some detail the floats for the theme "Highlights in the History of St. Louis" which were ultimately built for the parade.

When asked about traits of a librarian she said, "A good librarian must have the memory of John Kiernan, the eye of a Sherlock Holmes, the enthusiasm of a Tallulah Bankhead and the energy of Hercules."

Last Updated 5/25/2007
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