Paul Evan Peters
| Paul Evan Peters | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 |
| Died | 1996 |
| Education | Masters in Sociology, Masters in Library and Information Science |
| Occupation | Librarian, Systems Coordinator, Executive Director |
| Known for | Founding Executive Director of CNI |
Paul Evan Peters (December 12, 1947 - November 18, 1996) was named one of the American Library Association's 100 most important leaders in the 20th century for his leadership of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). His work was interdisciplinary, often blurring the lines between library science and technology. Peters was widely respected amongst his colleagues for his contributions, being called an "imagineer," "Mr. Internet himself," and even a "prophet". However, he is likely most well known as the founding executive director of CNI.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Peters graduated in 1969 from the University of Dayton, receiving undergraduate degrees in computer science and philosophy. During the 1970s he received a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. And in 1986, while working at Columbia University, he earned his Masters in Sociology.
After earning his undergraduate degrees, Peters worked at the National Cash Register Corporation as a retail systems engineer. He spent most of the 1970s working on "research and development projects." Peters went on to work at Columbia University. There, he served as Assistant University Librarian for Systems, and worked on development of early automated circulation and cataloging systems. Peters then worked at the New York Public Library as a Systems Coordinator from 1987 - 1989. This was his last position before he began his post as the founding executive director at CNI.
In 1990, the Coalition for Networked Information was founded by three organizations: the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), CAUSE, and EDUCOM. (CAUSE and EDUCOM merged in 1998 to become EDUCAUSE.) CNI was initially conceived as a temporary affiliation whose purpose was to "enhance scholarship and intellectual productivity." ARL's Executive Director, Duane Webster, suggested Peters for the role of executive director. Peters' skill set was ideal for this position, and CNI quickly began to thrive.
During Peters' management, CNI launched and collaborated on numerous projects. These included, the Rights for Electronic Access and Delivery of Information (READI), the Elsevier TULIP Project, the Access to Public Information Program, and the National Initiative for a Networked Cultural Heritage (NINCH). CNI's contributions during this time made a lasting impact on all citizens. For example, the Access to Public Information Program impacted decisions made by the Clinton Administration.
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