CLA Library History Interest Group s1

CLA Library History Interest Group Business Meeting Notes Saturday, 7 November 2015 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

David McFadden, and Cindy Mediavilla were present.

There was as discussion of the cancelled Spring Fling 2015 program Researching and Writing Your Library’s History. It was suggested that we propose this as a pre-conference workshop in Sacramento in 2016. (CM/DM)

Oleg Kagan’s suggestion for a program about library architecture focusing on changes over the years was discussed. It might not work for Sacramento. It was thought that perhaps this would be good when the next state library bonds come up. This most likely won’t be until 2018 at the earliest.

Programs that might be especially good to take advantage of being in Sacramento were discussed. A program utilizing resources of the State Archives and perhaps the State Library in doing library history research was suggested. We will be looking into this for next year. (CM)

There was a question whether any milestone year was coming up soon that could be the basis of a program. James Gillis’ death centennial is in 2017. Nothing else came to mind during the meeting.

Ideas for 2017 were also discussed since one possible location is Palm Springs. Mid-Century Modern architecture may be one tie-in for program topics. Another is an effort to coordinate local history collections in the Palms Springs’ area.

What to do with oral histories was discussed. Debbie Hanson’s oral histories of past presidents is being given to the Bancroft Library. There was concern about the fate of the oral histories conducted for the Infopeople’s California Library Leaders Memory Project. In both cases, the LHIG will want to at least link to them if they are available online. In the case of Infopeople’s project, there is concern that there needs to be a permanent place for them.

Attracting more active members for the LHIG was discussed. Promotion on CALIX throughout the year was suggested. One possibility is to target libraries with milestones and centennials and see if they would need help, be interested in working with the LHIG or otherwise be involved. Cindy Mediavilla will be working on a list of upcoming milestones.

David McFadden will be contacting new CLA President Misty Jones concerning the Library Hall of Fame Committee since it is a Presidential appointment. The current committee consists of Letitia Bowles (Hemet Public Library), Debra Hansen (SJSU iSchool), David McFadden (Southwestern Law School), Cindy Mediavilla (California State Library) (Chair), and Kimberlee Wheeler (Butte County Library). It is not sure whether Debra Hansen would be willing to continue now that she is retired.

David McFadden will continue on a chair for 2016 and Cindy Mediavilla will continue on as program chair.

Adjournment