Dec. 5, 2023

The University is saddened to learn of the passing of Donna Gilton, professor emerita of library and information studies.

A resident of Wakefield, Donna, 73,  died Tuesday, Nov. 28. Born July 9, 1950, in Lynn, Massachusetts, she was the only daughter of the Rev. Charles W. Gilton Sr. and Hattie (Franklin) Gilton. She was preceded in death by both parents and one brother, David Q. Gilton Soma.

Donna earned a bachelor’s degree in history and elementary education in 1972 and a master’s degree in library science in 1975, both from Simmons College. She received her Ph.D in library science in 1988 from the University of Pittsburgh.

As a librarian, she served in children’s services at the Boston Public Library, as the head librarian at the Belize Teachers’ College, and as a business reference librarian at Western Kentucky University and Pennsylvania State University. Donna taught at the University of Rhode Island since 1991 specializing in information literacy, reference and information services in the humanities, social sciences, and business, and in multicultural and comparative aspects of library science. In 1998, she was promoted to associate professor and then full professor in 2007. She retired in June 2014.

She published two books, “Multicultural and Ethnic Children’s Literature in the United States” and “Lifelong Learning in Public Libraries,” and created a website, “Teaching About Information.” 

Donna focused her research on information literacy, multicultural aspects of library services, and Black church studies.

A colleague commented on the time Donna tap danced during a Harrington School for Communication and Media meeting, calling her “a quiet library professor who played her piano every Sunday, who also tap danced!” 

Donna served at several churches over the decades. She taught or coordinated Sunday school and worked with a number of children and family ministries. She conducted junior, adult, and village choirs at different times. She also composed music, which has been performed at a number of churches, and she served on several church education and library boards.

She had dual membership at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Newport and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Kingston.

She is survived by her twin brother, Charles W. Gilton Jr. of North Kingstown, many cousins and special sister, Joan Pratt of Wakefield.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston, on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 383 Old North Road, Kingston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Preparatory School Inc., 135 Prairie Ave., Providence, Rhode Island 02905.

See the full obituary