Gregory B. Newby

Gregory B. Newby was an American and Canadian information scientist, educator, and writer whose career focused on expanding access to information through networks and digital libraries. He worked on supercomputing and internet-based information systems, taught in library and information science programs, and became especially well known for his leadership with the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.

He served for many years as the volunteer CEO of the foundation that supports Project Gutenberg, helping guide one of the world's best-known collections of free ebooks. Alongside that work, he wrote and edited books on digital libraries, information systems, and Project Gutenberg's history and practices, bringing a practical, thoughtful perspective to how technology can serve readers.

Newby is also remembered for his teaching and public-service work, including roles at the University of Illinois and the University of North Carolina, and for his involvement in community networking projects such as Prairienet. He died on October 21, 2025, and is widely remembered as a generous advocate for open access to knowledge.