John Shaw Billings
John Shaw Billings (April 12, 1838 – March 11, 1913) was an American librarian, building designer, and surgeon who modernized the Library of the Surgeon General's Office in the United States Army. His work with Andrew Carnegie led to the development and his service as the first director of the New York Public Library. Billings oversaw the building of the Surgeon General's Library, which was the nation's first comprehensive library for medicine.
John Shaw Billings | |
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Billings, c. 1896 | |
| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office 1901–1902 | |
| Preceded by | Henry James Carr |
| Succeeded by | James Kendall Hosmer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 12, 1838 Allensville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | March 11, 1913 (aged 74) New York City, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington County, Virginia) |
| Spouse |
Kate M. Stevens
(m. 1862; died 1912) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Because of his approach to improving public health and hospitals, Billings was asked to head the U.S. Census Bureau's Vital Statistics division, where he oversaw statistical compilation of censuses. With Robert Fletcher, Billings developed Index Medicus, a monthly guide to contemporary medicine that was published for sixteen months until Billings' retirement from the Medical Museum and Library.
Billings aided the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury in adjusting the organization of the military hospitals. With his growing credibility in the medical field, Billings oversaw work done to aid those struggling with yellow fever. He also served as medical advisor to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, and authored reports regarding criteria for medical and nursing curricula and hospital design. Billings made notable contributions to Johns Hopkins Hospital's architecture, infrastructure, and curriculum for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.