With the belief that public libraries provide great benefit to communities and offer worlds of information that should be available to all, Annabel K. Stephens, DLS was always inspired to become a librarian and an educator. In 1968, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Ohio, and began her career as a librarian at Muscle Shoals Regional Library. After receiving a Master of Library Science from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, she became a librarian at Memphis Public Library from 1970 to 1972. She continued to serve with the Memphis Public Library, becoming branch head from 1972 to 1979. In 1982, she joined the Jennie Stephens Smith Public Library, serving as the director until 1983. She ventured into academics for the next year as a part-time instructor at the University of Alabama’s College of Communication & Information Sciences.

In 1988, Dr. Stephens completed her education with a Doctor of Library Science from Columbia University in the City of New York. During this time she also served as an assistant professor at the College of Communication & Information Sciences from 1985 to 1995. After this, she became an associate professor at the college from 1995 to 2007. Today, for more than 10 years, Dr. Stephens has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Communication & Information Sciences.

Outside of her professional appointments, Dr. Stephens has also been active in her community through volunteer work. She volunteers with the University Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, West Alabama AIDS Outreach, Hospice of West Alabama, and Turning Point Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Looking toward the future, Dr. Stephens intends to continue volunteering, working with her church, visiting friends, and traveling.

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