Shelton, Wilma Loy, 1889-

Wilma Loy Shelton was born October 25, 1889 in Champaign, Illinois. After receiving her B.L.S. she came to University of New Mexico as Librarian for the University. She held this position from 1920 until her retirement in 1945. After retiring she taught classes in library science. From 1954-1964 she was Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for Foreign Leaders and Specialists. As hostess, she arranged visits to places and people in Albuquerque that would be of special interest to her guests, always including trips to the Indian pueblos and dinner at La Hacienda or La Placita dining rooms in Old Town, Albuquerque. Ms Shelton died February 16, 1972 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

From the description of Papers, 1869-1967, (bulk 1954-1964). (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 45403060

From the guide to the Wilma Loy Shelton Guest Registries, 1950-1970, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

Wilma Loy Shelton was born October 25, 1889 in Champaign, Illinois. In 1914, she received her A.B. from the University of Arkansas and a similar degree a day later from the University of Illinois. She earned a B.L.S. from the University of Illinois in 1918. She worked at the University of Illinois, first, as a general assistant from 1915-1916, later as a revisor from 1916-1918, and ultimately as librarian at the Psychology, Education and Philosophy Department Library from 1918-1920.

In 1920, she came to the University of New Mexico as Librarian for the University, at the request of UNM president David Spencer Hill. She held this position from 1920 until her retirement in 1945. When she first arrived, the library had 500 reference books, 1000 bound magazines, 100 current magazine subscriptions and about 16,000 volumes on the shelves of what was then Hodgin Hall. In 1925, the library moved from Hodgin Hall to a new location near the present day Fine Arts Department. University faculty and students turned out in mass on May 17, 1926 to transfer 28,000 volumes to the new facility. In April 1938, Zimmerman Library opened and the UNM band led a procession of students, faculty and friends who transferred the reserve book collection to the new library.

During her years in the new library the murals painted by Kenneth Adams were presented, the Field collections were accepted, and contributions were made to the library by the Carnegie Corporation and Rockefeller Foundation. After her retirement in 1945, Ms. Shelton became Librarian Emeritus, devoting her time to teaching classes in library science. From 1954-1964 she was Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for Foreign Leaders and Specialists. As hostess, she arranged visits to places and people in Albuquerque that would be of special interest to her guests, always including trips to the Indian pueblos and dinner at La Hacienda or La Placita dining rooms in Old Town, Albuquerque.

Shelton's publications include: A Checklist of New Mexico Newspapers (1935); List of Serials in the University of New Mexico Library; together with those in other libraries in Albuquerque (1938); and Checklist of New Mexico publications, 1850-1953 (1954).

Shelton's involvements include membership in the American Library Association; New Mexico Library Association (President, 1927-28, 1935-36); Southwestern Library Association (Vice-President, 1922-24, 1934-35, President, 1924-26); Tuesday Literary Club (President, 1932-33); active member of the Presbyterian Church (Deacon 1955-57); P.E.O. (President, 1934-35, 1954-55); American Association of University Women (President 1950-52); Albuquerque Association for the United Nations (2nd Vice-President, 1960-61); Family Consultation Service (Board Secretary, 1955-56); New Mexico Conference of Social Welfare (Chairman of Arrangements, 1953-56); Menaul School Advisory Committee, NMEA; Phi Kappa Phi; Phi Gamma Mu; New Mexico Federation of Republican Women (Parliamentarian, 1955-56); Bernalillo County Federation of Republican Women (President, 1955-56) and she served on the New Mexico Republican State Central Committee from 1956-1960.

Ms Shelton died February 16, 1972 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

From the guide to the Wilma Loy Shelton Papers, 1869-1967, 1954-1964, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)