Josiah T. Newcomb (1911 - 1981) received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science in 1937 at Colorado State College of Education and the Bachelor of Science in Library Science in 1940 at the University of Denver. In 1951, he earned a Master of Science degree at Columbia University.

Previous to his career at Binghamton, Mr. Newcomb served as Reference Librarian at the State College at Greeley; Librarian of the Greeley Public Library; Circulation Librarian at Teachers College, Columbia; Librarian of the Associated Colleges of Upper New York; and Librarian of Champlain College. His experience also included teaching in public schools of Englewood, Colorado. He was a member of the American and New York Library Associations and author of articles in library journals.

Newcomb was appointed Librarian of Harpur College in July, 1953. He came to campus in that year following three years' service as the Librarian of Champlain College. In September, 1963 he was promoted to Director of Libraries.

During his career at Harpur, he held assignments collateral to the library’s position including several years service as assistant to the president, with responsibility for facilities and public relations. Mr. Newcomb was a member of the Faculty Senate and was chairman of the committee for the establishment of new faculty bylaws for the university center. He was a member of the University Committee on University Governance.

Mr. Newcomb was a member of the Commissioner’s Committee on Library Development. He served two terms as Chairman of the State University Librarians’ Conference, and was a member of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Library Development of State University. He was a member of the New York and American Library Associations.

In addition to his library duties at Harpur, he served as Assistant to the President, Vice-Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Chairman of the Faculty Bylaws Committee, and a member of the Committee on University Governance.

Newcomb was a veteran of World War II and was recalled during the Korean War. He was retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. Newcomb and his wife, Doris, who was a librarian at Binghamton Central High School, lived on Brooks Road in the Town of Chenango. Mr. Newcomb was active in town affairs and served as Chairman of the Town Planning Board. After his retirement in August, 1971, he served as Broome County, N.Y. Historian.