Resolution to Honor Robert S. Taylor

SUBJECT: Recognizing the role of Dean Robert S. Taylor 

RATIFIED BY: Syracuse University School of Information Studies Board of Advisors, November 18, 2008

1. Whereas, the role of Robert S. Taylor, dean of the Syracuse University School of Information Studies from 1972 to 1981, has never formally been acknowledged by the board; and
2. Whereas, Taylor played an historical role in the evolution of the school from a traditional library science school into an information school; and
3. Whereas, Taylor took exceptional and well-calculated risks by changing the name of the school from the long-established library science to the brand new information studies, even though our peer schools did not support the change; and
4. Whereas, Taylor also made significant contributions to shaping the field of information through his leadership and scholarly accomplishments; and
5. Whereas, two of his seminal works, “Question-Negotiation and Information-Seeking in Libraries” (1967) and Value Added Processes in Information Systems (1986), continue to be quoted and relevant to shaping scholarly discussions today; and
6. Whereas, Taylor established the first M.S. in information resource management (IRM) in the nation in 1980; and
7. Whereas, he was recognized in 1972 with the American Society for Information Science’s Best Book Award for The Making of a Library; and
8. Whereas, Taylor was recognized in 1992 by the American Society for Information Science with its highest recognition, the Award of Merit; and
9. Whereas, he laid the groundwork for what has become the international iSchool movement; and
10. Whereas, he set the iSchool at Syracuse on the course as the leader of its peers; therefore be it
11. RESOLVED, that Robert S. Taylor revolutionized the School and the information field; and be it further
12. RESOLVED, that the School of Information Studies Board of Advisors formally acknowledges and thanks Taylor for his leadership and foresight in helping the school establish and maintain its reputation as the Original School for the Information Age.