Ralph W. Munn (September 19, 1894 – January 2, 1975)[1] was an eminent figure in the field of American and international library and information science.

He attended Ohio State University Moritz College of Law from 1912 to 1913 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity.

"[3] This choice significantly benefited the reputation of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh,[citation needed] but brought into question problematic and complex issues that still affect the field today, e.g., neutrality in acquisitions, the role of the librarian in acquiring popular vs. "educational" or "literary" materials, etc.

Indeed, if the following passage were altered to reflect 21st century technology terminology, Munn would seem to be speaking directly to today's librarians: With entertainment and information available in every man's living room by the mere turning of a knob, or at the nearest newsstand at modest cost, there is little incentive for the casual reader to go to a somewhat distant library for a book.

In an article published in the Australian Library Journal evaluating the survey's impact, the author states that "the key recommendations of the Munn-Pitt report were easily identified by its lay readers: 1. to establish tax-supported municipal 'free libraries'; and 2. to strengthen and extend librarianship by professionalizing the training and registration of librarians.

"[11] The assistance of these predominantly female librarians also brings into focus an uncannily prescient viewpoint that Munn established in an aptly titled Library Journal essay, "It Is a Mistake to Recruit Men".

[3] In recognition of his authorship and outreach and development of services directed at young people, the annual "Ralph Munn Creative Writing Contest" has been established in his name at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.