Jessie Carney Smith (born September 24, 1930)[1] is an American librarian and educator, formerly Dean of the Fisk University Library and Camille Cosby Distinguished Chair in the Humanities.
[1] She is also a scholar and author of research guides and reference books focusing on notable African-American people.
[1] Smith began working as a clerk typist for Fisk University's religion and English departments in 1956, then transferring to the library.
She worked up to being assistant to the head librarian, Arna Bontemps, who was the first Black person to hold that position, and he encouraged her to become his replacement.
[5] Smith was awarded Fisk University's Camille Cosby Distinguished Chair in the Humanities in 1992.
[2] Smith has published numerous research guides and reference books, specifically exploring the gaps in scholarship around African Americans.