Former LJ Executive Editor Shirley Havens Dies
Staff -- Library Journal, 3/6/2000
Shirley Havens, who retired as LJ's executive editor in 1987, died February 25 after a prolonged illness. She was 74. At the time of her retirement, Havens had served LJ for 30 years, during which time she was instrumental in both the editorial and production/design sides of the publication. Following her official retirement, Havens continued her relationship with LJ as a contributing editor and sole editor of the magazine's Word of Mouth column since its inception, a post that she maintained up until her death. She began with LJ in 1957 as an editorial assistant and advanced to managing editor two years later. Throughout her three-decade tenure with the magazine, Havens proved indispensable, inaugurating several of its now signature features, including the annual architectural issue. She also trained a number of LJ's key staff as well identified several librarians who became leaders in the field. She was an active member of the American Library Association, heading several of its committees. "Shirley taught me everything I know about the job," said LJ's current managing editor, Bette-Lee Fox. "Her dedication and high standards are a model for us all. As a friend and colleague, Shirley will be sorely missed."
