Fang, Josephine R. | The American Library Association Archives

Josephine Riss Fang (1922-2023) was born in Saalfelden, Austria, and earned a degree in English at the University of Vienna and a PhD in English at the University of Graz in 1948. She worked as a typist and interpreter for the E “Easy” Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, then the Executive Secretary and Stenographer for the Commanding Officer of the American Military Government of Salzburg, Austria, from 1945-1947.

Fang received a fewllowship in library science in the US in 1950 and received her M.S. in Library and Information Science from Catholic University. During this time, she met her husband, Pao-Hsien Fang.

Fang taught at the Catholic University and University of Maryland, along with working at Boston College libraries. In 1969, Fang started teaching at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College until 1989. Fang published and presented extensively on library and information science topics.

Fang was active in multiple library organizations, including the American Library Association, the Chinese American Librarians Association, International Federation of Library Associations, and the Women's National Book Association.

1. "Josephine Fang Obituary," Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, https://www.brownandhickey.com/obituary/Josephine-Fang.

2. ALA Council, "Memorial Resolution Honoring Josephine Maria (Riss) Fang," American Library Association, https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/aboutala/content/Memorial%20Resolution%20Honoring%20Josephine%20Maria%20%28Riss%29%20Fang.pdf