In 2001, Martin was nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the Institute of Museum and Library Services Martin was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, becoming the first librarian to serve in this role. During his tenure, IMLS launched the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, which awards grants to enhance the training and professional development of library and archives professionals, develop faculty and library leaders, and recruit and educate the next generation of library and archives professionals. LB21’s overarching goal is to support the development of a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public. Martin also oversaw the establishment of the Museums for America program, which supports projects that strengthen the ability of an individual museum to serve its public. In accordance with legislation governing IMLS, Martin’s term as director concluded after four years in 2005. Throughout his career, Martin held elected and appointed positions in numerous professional organizations, including the American Library Association, Association for Library and Information Science Education, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Louisiana Archives and Manuscripts Association, National Association of Governments Archivists and Records Administrators, Society of American Archivists, Society of Southwest Archivists, Urban Libraries Council, and the Texas Map Society.
Honors
Martin’s most prestigious honor came unexpectedly at the ceremonial presentation of the 2008 National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals, which both President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush attended. After the conclusion of the anticipated program, President Bush surprised attendees by awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to four outstanding leaders in the arts, including Martin. President Bush praised Martin for helping to “preserve our treasured collections and bring libraries and museums into the 21st century with new technology.” In his commendation, Martin was hailed as someone who had “dedicated his career to the management of libraries. As a librarian, archivist, administrator, and educator, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to lifelong learning. The United States honors Robert Martin for his leadership in strengthening libraries and museums across the country.” Most Notable Honors and Awards Presidential Citizens Medal Distinguished Alumnus, Rice University Fellow of the Society of American Archivists Lifetime Achievement Award, Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas Doctor of Humane Letter Honoris Causa, Dominican University Council Exemplary Service Award, Society of American Archivists Distinguished Service Award, Texas Library Association Distinguished Alumnus, UNC School of Information and Library Science Distinguished Service Award, Society of Southwest Archivists Justin Winsor Prize, Library History Round Table, American Library Association
Publications
Martin’s publications include Maps of Texas and the Southwest, 1513–1900 and Contours of Discovery: Printed Maps Delineating the Texas and Southwestern Chapters of the Cartographic History of North America, 1513–1930. He has authored numerous refereed and invited articles in annuals and journals including Advances in Librarianship, Texas Library Journal, Library Hi Tech, Libraries and Culture, American Archivist, Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarianship, Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, North Carolina Libraries, Journal of Library History, and Southwestern Historical Quarterly. His Opening Remarks at the 21st Century Learners Conference in 2001 established the IMLS commitment to lifelong learning. Dissertation: Martin, Robert Sidney. Louis Round Wilson at the University of North Carolina, 1901-1932. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1988. 805p. Advisor: Edward G. Holley.
Personal
Known as "Bob" Martin to friends and many colleagues. Married to Barbara Stein Martin, Professor Emeritus, College of Information, University of North Texas.
