Hopkinson, Shirley L. (1924-2017)
Date Updated
10-11-2019
Department
Library/Information Science
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
1992
Educational Background
University of Oklahoma, 1957 Ed.D.
University of Oklahoma, 1952 Ed.M.
Claremont Graduate School, 1952 MA
University of California, 1949 BLS
University of Colorado, 1945 BA cum laude
Coe College (1942‑43)
Teaching Experience
San Jose State University, 1958-1992
Chaffey College, CA, 1955-1958
Junior High School, La Mesa, CA, 1953-1955
High School, Blythe, CA, 1947-1948
High School, Stigler, OK, 1946-1947
Administrative and Professional Experience
Librarian, Modesto Jr. College, CA, 1949‑1951.
Selected Publications
Descriptive Cataloging of Library Materials, 5th ed., 1975.
Instructional Materials for Teaching the Use of the Library, 5th ed., 1977.
Articles in professional journals.
Book reviews in Library Journal, 1957‑1993.
Book reviews in American Reference Books Annual, 1967‑present.
Files
Personal Commentary
I have many memories of the 34 years I spent as a member of the San Jose State faculty, most of them happy, a few sad.
I loved teaching my courses and having a chance to introduce my students to a challenging career. I have fond memories of my students and cherish the friendships formed with many. I will always remember the students who, during our departmental graduation ceremony the year of my retirement, presented me with a music box that plays the song Unforgettable, along with a wonderful tribute.
I have good memories of my colleagues, many now scattered by retirement and some who no longer walk this earth. I remember my work on campus‑wide and school committees and the good people I met there.
I am proud that I was one of the founders of the Student Honors Convocation, and of my years of service as an officer in our Phi Kappa Phi chapter and the now defunct Phi Beta Kappa Faculty Club. I will never forget the day I was honored by the Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Scholar award.
There are some sad memories as well. There was the terrible day when two of our neighborhood police officers were killed at the donut shop just a block from campus, and the day I witnessed the sorrow of the homeless man whose dog, and only friend, was run over by a car on San Fernando Street. There was also the sorrow of witnessing the degeneration of the neighborhoods around the campus.
But they were very good years, all in all, and I would not have missed the opportunity of experiencing them.
Date Completed: 9/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.