In 2005, the American Library Association announced that it was naming Dr. Lotsee Patterson as one of its honorary members, the Association’s highest honor. It is little wonder that the ALA gave this honor to Dr. Patterson given her lifelong passionate advocacy for quality library services and programs for Native Americans. Continue reading “Lotsee Patterson: Advocate for Library Services for Native Americans”
Although a significant amount of an archivist’s work is spent communicating with donors and researchers, in addition to arranging and conserving or preserving a continuous influx of documents, there is always time for a little fun too.
Archives are not exclusively repositories for records of historic value; but, they are also home to a great variety of documented human experience! Don’t believe us? Then read on about finding love in the A.L.A. Archives!
Continue reading “Just for Fun: Finding Love in the A.L.A. Archives and Conceptual Keyword Research Strategies”
The ALA Archives holds many treasures in unexpected places. The Issue Photographs files of American Libraries magazine in one such place, holding materials like original art and illustrations, such as original cartoons by Richard Lee. Lee’s cartoons for American Libraries are a treasure trove of classic and original library humor and were mostly published in the 1990s and 2000s, though many of the jokes are still relevant to libraries today. Continue reading “Richard Lee’s Cartoons: Illustrations of Librarian Humor”
Since 1987, or since October 1957 if you count its predecessor (or since April 1957 if you count the predecessor’s predecessor [or really since 1950, for that predecessor’s predecessor]), the publications of the International Relations Round Table have been documenting goodwill between librarians in the form of publications like the RTLSA Newsletter, IRRT Newsletter, Leads, and International Leads.
Read on to learn more about the early art and history of early International Relations Round Table publications (Record Series 45/2/10)!
Continue reading “Publications: IRRT Newsletter, Leads, and International Leads”
Since 1976, the American Indian Libraries Newsletter has provided information resources for librarians working with American Indian library communities and libraries. Of course, older issues are still information rich for current and future readers.
Read on to learn more about the early art and history of American Indian Libraries Newsletter!
Continue reading “Publications: American Indian Libraries Newsletter”
American Archives Month is upon us again, which mean it’s time to celebrate all things archives! At the American Library Association Archives, we’re celebrating by doing what we do best, working with archival collections! We’re busy processing new accessions that have come into the archives, such as the ALA Executive Director’s papers and materials on Banned Books Week. We’re also in the middle of a project to digitize large portions of the GLBT Round Table archives. And we’re always in the process of answering your questions that have come in via email, phone, and in person.
Join in on American Archives Month by asking a reference question at a local archives or archival repository, browse the National Archives website, follow an archives on social media (we have all the best photos!), or join us for #AskAnArchivist Day on Twitter! Continue reading “American Archives Month 2017”
This year marks the 35th year of Banned Books Week! The week was inspired by the success of the Banned Books Exhibit at the 1982 American Booksellers Association (ABA) convention, which prompted the ABA to work with the American Library Association and the National Association of College Stores for the first Banned Books Week in August of 1982. More information on the founding of Banned Book Week can be found in this previous blog post.
The American Library Association and other Banned Books Week sponsors have continued to provide a number of resources to educate people on books that continue to be banned and challenged in schools and libraries. The American Library Association provides press kits, free image downloads for social media, Q&As, banned and challenged book listings, events, and evening a form for people to use to report challenges. Continue reading “35 Years of Banned Books Week”
Since 1974, the REFORMA Newsletter has provided information resources for librarians working with Spanish-speaking library communities and libraries. Of course, older issues are still information rich for current and future readers.
Read on to learn more about the early art and history of REFORMA Newsletter!
When some researchers want to know about life at the A.L.A. Headquarters, then I recommend reading the Headquarters Staff Association Files (Record Series 2/4/80) and Headquarters Newsletters, (Record Series 2/4/10). In particular, like other previously highlighted publications, there is much creative expression and good will to be found at the A.L.A. and in the archives.
Read on to learn more about the art and history of A.L.A. Headquarters Staff publications!
Since 1971, or 1966 if you include the predecessor publication News Notes (1966-1971), the New Members Round Table has published Footnotes as an information resource for new professionals. During the last fifty years, many ALA members have contributed great amounts of energy and creativity to support new ALA members. Most editors served for two volumes, resulting in a rich tradition of continuous but ever-changing layout and content for all readers to enjoy.
Read on to learn more about the art and history of Footnotes!
Continue reading “Publications: News Notes and Footnotes Newsletters, 1966-2015”