LHRT Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2010 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1 BERNADETTE A. LEAR, EDITOR BAL19 @ PSU.EDU Greetings from the Chair BAL19 @ PSU.EDU

and . The week As we finalize details we will following History inform the membership as to Seminar XII, Wayne how they may participate. Wiegand threw down a challenge. He offered to It is time to turn to finding a contribute $100 to the venue for Library History Edward G. Holley Lecture Seminar XIII (2015). The endowment, and urged all request for proposals is previous LHRT Chairs and included in this newsletter. I Board members to do the invite LHRT members to same. In less than thirty- consider whether your six hours $2,400 was institution might be a good pledged. Ed’s son Jens was site. We are a community of one contributor (both to people with a love for the the fund and to this issue). histories of , reading, His heartfelt message of print culture, and the people, thanks for honoring his places and institutions that are father in this way made me part of those histories. Why proud to be a member of not make a little bit of history LHRT. yourself by hosting this wonderful conference? The LHRT Program Committee is hard at work In the meantime, I will “see” to bring quality sessions to you virtually in January our annual meeting. We meeting in cyberspace, and see will have the Invited many of you in person at Speakers Panel, the ALA’s annual meeting in New Research Forum Panel, and Orleans in June. Have happy, Melanie Kimball, current chair of LHRT. Image the Holley Lecture as well healthy, and safe holidays, and courtesy of Melanie Kimball. as our Executive Committee Business a very Happy New Year. — Meeting. We will Melanie Kimball, Simmons The leaves are turning; a netted approximately announce the speakers and College chill is in the air. It is the $1,200 for LHRT, and I am topics for these programs  time of year when we turn deeply grateful to all those as soon as they are to what I like to call “the who generously donated finalized. season of the mind.” My materials. LHRT own season of the mind subsidized attendance at For the first time, the Inside this issue: will be greatly enhanced by the conference for two LHRT Executive the purchases I made at the students, Marianne Martens Committee midwinter Reviews 3–4 auction held at Library and Alycia Sellie, who meeting, usually held at the Member Spotlight: 5, 8 History Seminar XII in contributed articles for this ALA conference, will be September. We gathered newsletter. held virtually on January 4, Richard LeComte for three wonderful days at 2011. As you know, our the University of We pause to note the Executive Committee Ed Holley 6–8 Wisconsin, Madison where passing of Edward G. meetings have always been ALA Catalog 9, 11 a truly impressive array of Holley, former Dean of the open to LHRT members, papers addressed all areas LIS program at UNC- and this meeting will be no Perforating Stamp 10–11 of library history. The two Chapel Hill, and namesake exception. We will very keynote speakers, Janice of LHRT’s lecture fund. likely use Skype to hold the LHS Highlights 12–13 Radway and Wayne This issue includes several meeting, with reports from Library Birdhouse 14 Wiegand, inspired and tributes to a great man who committees posted to challenged us. The auction mentored many historians ALA Connect in advance. Opportunities 15–19

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Greetings from the Editor publish scholarly papers, and those who do not attend ALA conferences. and humanities students, library administrators and employees, retirees, trustees, and librariana collectors are interested in history, too. As several items in this issue show, many non- academics help document, preserve, and promote the unique stories of their institutions, as well as the study of reading and print culture more generally. They must do so, because the small number of “I believe strongly authors in scholarly journals cannot tell every library’s or that LHRT is a reader’s tale. community of Another reason for expanding shared interest, LHRT Newsletter is the limited venues for historical treatments and that LHRT of librarianship. It seems to me Bernadette A. Lear, immediate past-chair of LHRT and that most of our conferences Newsletter should and journals don’t give a dewey current LHRT Newsletter editor. Image courtesy of about history. It’s high time that Bernadette A. Lear. reflect all the LHRT carves out a new space. I especially hope that the varied concerns Many editors have described the I believe strongly that LHRT is a accessible, brief articles in our and pursuits of tremulous feeling of launching a community of shared interest, newsletter will prompt graduate “frail little craft” upon the “sea and that LHRT Newsletter should students and new practitioners our diverse of literature.” Perhaps I am too reflect all the varied concerns to view the past as an important optimistic, but I am thoroughly and pursuits of our diverse concern, and encourage them to membership.” delighted to compile this new membership. In the past, this start thinking and writing about and improved version of LHRT publication has mainly served it. I am thrilled that Richard Newsletter . My efforts were scholars and LHRT officers. It LeComte, Marianne Martins, partially inspired by discussions told of publishing opportunities, Alycia Sellie, and Julia Skinner about “zines” at Library History lectures, new articles and books, (all students or recent graduates) Seminar. I must confess, though, committee meeting dates, and have contributed material. that I also wish to welcome and official actions of the round I hope they will continue to do support everyone who has an table. Although LHRT Newsletter so. If readers find that the interest in the , will continue this service, it also newsletter lacks an important reading, and print culture. aims to help those who do not feature or perspective, please do everyone a favor—send in a

PUBLISHING STATEMENT LHRT Newsletter (ISSN forthcoming) is the official newsletter of the Library History Round Table of the American Library Association. LHRT’s mission is to encourage research and publication on the history of libraries and promote awareness and discussion of historical issues in librarianship. LHRT Newsletter is an open-access, semi-annual publication, available free of charge at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/lhrt/popularresources/ lhrtnewsletters/lhrtnewsletters.cfm . LHRT members may obtain a paper copy upon request by contacting ALA’s Office for Research and Statistics, American Library Association, 60 E. Huron St., , IL, 60611 (phone: 1-800-545-2433, extension 4283). LHRT Newsletter is not currently indexed in Library Literature or other databases. All submissions are subject to editorial review, but authors are responsible for facts and opinions expressed in their articles. Views expressed in LHRT Newsletter do not necessarily reflect official LHRT or ALA policies and positions. Contact the editor, Bernadette A. Lear ([email protected]), queries about advertizing, submissions, and other concerns. Page 3 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Greetings from the Editor, cont. piece for the next issue! article pertains to the history of libraries, reading, or print Rather than taking the approach culture; is contributed by an of the Times , “all the LHRT member; has not been news that’s fit to print,” I published elsewhere; is well- suppose I embrace the motto of written; and observes copyright my local college newspaper: “all law and journalistic ethics, you the news that fits, we print.” I will see it here! am much better at creating new features and encouraging authors Thank you to everyone who than I am at polishing material. contributed to this issue.— In time, I hope this periodical Bernadette A. Lear, Penn will include brief biographies, State Harrisburg architectural histories, reviews of  all kinds, and maybe even a crossword or jumble! Luckily, online publishing obviates the need to limit pages because of printing or postage costs. If an

Detail of “Sale of a Wife” broadside from The Word Web Site Review: on the Street . Image by permission of the Trustees of Word on the Street the National Library of Scotland.

National Library of Scotland. “The accessible to those without through these different subjects Word on the Street.” http:// much of a background in the gives one a sense of daily life in digital.nls.uk/broadsides/ (accessed subject. This makes it valuable times past. Under “clothing and November 1, 2010). for students or for those just dress,” for example, we get to looking to learn a bit more learn about what clothing was I first ran across The Word on the about print culture. Of appropriate for Edinburgh Street about a year ago through a particular value to students are citizens to wear when meeting Google search. The website is a the pages covering historical royalty. There are a good digital collection of about 1,800 background. In addition, the number of non-fiction broadsides housed in the “resources” page gives a broadsides on the site, but many National Library of Scotland, thorough (although not are also stories and ballads that and created between 1650 and exhaustive) list of links and might have been shared by 1910. Broadsides are single citations for relevant printed singing or reading aloud. sheets of paper, printed on one texts. Keywords such as side, with announcements, “transvestites,” “shoemakers,” songs, news, and stories. They Searching and browsing are and “highlanders” give us a were much cheaper than intuitive. The “search and sense for how different groups newspapers and could be hung browse” page allows users to were treated in fiction and in in public spaces, making them search broadsides by keywords biography. accessible to the lower classes. and/or year, or to browse titles Each broadside on the site alphabetically. Browsing by The search page offers a subject comes with historical subject is perhaps the most list, with the number of items commentary. Most include a rewarding, where one can next to each subject (ballads are transcription of the text, and a peruse titles under subject by far the most numerous). downloadable PDF version. headings like “body-snatching,” By clicking on a letter of the “cholera,” and “apparitions,” alphabet, one can also browse by What I love about The Word on along with many others! the Street is that the creators of — continued, next page the site put a lot of work into Most importantly, browsing making a resource that is 

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Word on the Street, cont.

title. The search function allows noticed was that the pages giving more recent titles. All in all, an one to specify keywords and/or a historical overview enjoyable and informative site, the year a broadside was (“background,” “illustrations,” and one I would recommend for produced. and “distribution”) were a bit personal or classroom use. — shorter than I would have liked, Julia Skinner, University of Since the website is a part of the particularly for a site that might Iowa National Library of Scotland’s be used as a student resource.  site, it isn’t riddled with Additionally, the citations under advertisements. More “resources” include a number of importantly, it uses digitized useful readings, but focus on documents from a collection older scholarship. If the site is that can be cited in classroom used in the classroom, it might papers. The only shortcoming I be helpful to supplement it with

Murray “fleshes Book Review: out and improves The Library: An Illustrated History

upon our meager Stuart A. P. Murray. The Library: in 2004 with four volumes out on military history topics, seems An Illustrated History. Chicago, IL: so far. Murray’s history does not quite comfortable with the general Skyhorse Publishing, ALA Editions, pretend to have the erudition of world of books and libraries. 2009. ISBN 978-1-60239-706-4. Staikos, or the cleverness of His volume is filled with understanding Battle, but nevertheless his book wonderful photographs and As historians of American can be recommended as an illustrations. His reading list is of how non- libraries and librarianship, we accessible and skillfully solid, though rather brief. The probably think we have a pretty presented history of libraries, not book’s last section is a collection Western parts good sense of the general outline only in our well-known of short factual summaries on of library history. And we European setting, but the world’s major libraries of our planet probably do. Nevertheless, it throughout the world. And this ranging from the national does us no harm to consult is where Murray’s contribution is libraries of France, Great built their every now and then a well- especially valuable. We are all Britain, Russia, and India, to the written historical narrative of the quite conversant with the history Huntington and Newberry storehouses of origins of that remarkable of libraries in the western world libraries in the United States, human agency within which (even though Staikos’ and all points in between. knowledge.” most of us work in some way or monumental history will more For anyone interested in another, and all of us study. than likely enhance the obtaining a well-written knowledge of even the most treatment on our favorite Of course, we already have a venerable library historian), but subject, Murray’s moderately number of recently published Murray spends a great deal of priced book is a good place to surveys that span the history of time disclosing the background start. —Ed Goedeken, Iowa libraries: Fred Lerner’s Story of to major libraries in the Asian State University Libraries 2nd ed. (New York: and Islamic worlds of past  Continuum, 2009); Matthew centuries. He fleshes out and Battles’ rather interestingly improves upon our meager constructed Library: An Unquiet general understanding of how History (New York, W.W. these non-Western parts of our Norton, 2003); and, of course, planet built their storehouses of Konstantinos Staikos’ magisterial knowledge. History of the Library in Western Civilization (New Castle, DE: Murray, who has spent most of Oak Knoll Books), which began his professional career writing Page 5 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Member Spotlight: Richard LeComte Editor’s Note: This semester, we or using libraries. interviewed Richard LeComte, the winner of LHRT’s 2009 Justin RL : Our house was full of Winsor Prize. LeComte’s winning books. Both my parents read to essay, “Writers Blocked: The Debate me; I’ll never forget my dad, in over Public Lending Right in the his Brooklyn accent, reading Go United States during the 1980s” Dog Go and Ten Apples Up on Top . examined an effort of the Authors I also have clear memories of my Guild to gain compensation for writers mother taking me to the local whose books are borrowed from library, which for years was in a libraries. converted municipal building near the train station in Garden BAL : Tell us a little bit about City. In the 1970s, the village yourself: your town/state, your built a new library that was much occupation, your educational more conducive to reading and background, and other things to study, and we used it often. introduce yourself. BAL : How and why did you get RL : I grew up in Garden City on involved with libraries? If you are a Long Island. In high school, I library employee or retiree, where have concentrated on theater, English, you worked and what positions have and history, and I graduated with you held over the course of your career? a degree in English from Wesleyan University in RL : While we were living in Connecticut. There followed a Reno, I took my kids to the Richard LeComte, journalist, MLIS Student, sojourn in New York City, branches of the Washoe County and 2009 Winner of LHRT’s where I worked for a theater Library; it was a family outing we Prize. Image courtesy of Richard LeComte. service organization called New all enjoyed. The Northwest Reno Dramatists. In 1986, I left NYC branch was especially friendly, for the University of , open and fun. I recommended a where I pursued a master’s in lot of books to the library for journalism. There I met my wife, purchase, being too cheap to buy particularly interested in the Jennifer, and since 1989 I’ve them on my own, and eventually work of the Electronic worked in a variety of newspaper I donated many books and Frontier Foundation. positions, including arts editor in DVDS to the library’s collection. Lawrence, Kansas, and assistant The positive vibes I got from the BAL : Have you ever published an features editor in Reno, Nevada. Washoe County libraries inspired article, book, web site, or other In 2007, we moved to me to pursue my degree. publication about library history? If Tuscaloosa, Ala., where my wife so, what was that experience like for is chair of the journalism BAL : How did you become interested you? What words of advice would department at the University of in the history of libraries? What areas you give to novice researchers? Alabama. I work as a of library history interest you most? communication specialist in the What topics? Which time-periods? RL : My paper, “Writers media relations department. Any specific places? Blocked: The Debate over Here I met Dr. Elizabeth Public Lending Right in the Aversa, head of the university’s RL : A doctoral-level class was United States during the School of Library and offered in the SLIS program by 1980s,” was written under Dr. Information Studies, and she Dr. Margaret Dalton. My main Dalton’s supervision in the encouraged me to pursue an interest is in the history of history of libraries class and MLIS. I’m set to graduate in intellectual property in the 20th published in Libraries & the December 2010. I have three century, especially copyright and Cultural Record . My advice is to daughters. its discontents, and the history go to sources directly for of the free flow of information BAL : Please share a fond, early and how it influenced literature — continued, page 8 memory of reading books/magazines and the public discourse. I’m 

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Remembering Ed Holley to reflect on the life and character of an outstanding , historian, and educator. The poignant remarks of his children, Amy, Beth, Gailon, and Jens; the anecdotes recounted by treasured associates and doctoral students; and the singing of some of Dr. Holley’s favorite hymns, including “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” placed his many important accomplishments in the context of his fundamental goodness.

The first of three children of Abe Brown and Maxie Elizabeth (Bass) Holley, Ed was born and “many important raised in Pulaski, Tennessee. As a child of the Great Depression, accomplishments he learned the importance of hard work and fiscal in the context of responsibility. The Holleys were devoted members of the Church fundamental of Christ, which taught Ed to respect the dignity of everyone goodness” he encountered. All of these ideals contributed to Holley’s later success as a student and professional.

After attending local public schools, Ed pursued his higher education in Nashville, Portrait of Edward G. Holley by Lee Howe, July 1981. Image Tennessee, and in Illinois. He courtesy of the North Carolina Collection, University of North earned a B.A. in English with Carolina at Chapel Hill. highest honors from David Lipscomb College in 1949. There he met Bobbie Lee Gault, whom he later married. While working as assistant librarian at the college, Ed pursued a Editor’s Note—In Spring 2010, A Brief master’s degree in library science LHRT learned that our esteemed at the George Peabody School colleague Dr. Edward G. Holley Biography for Teachers, completing the passed away. Ed was a former program in 1951. At the president of the American Library The memorial service for Dr. University of Illinois, Ed then Association, a prolific library history Edward Gailon Holley pursued a Ph.D. in library scholar, and a generous friend. “For (November 26, 1927–February science while employed part- the good of the order,” Ed’s friends 18, 2010), held in Gerrard Hall time as a librarian, but his work have contributed this biography and on the campus of the University was interrupted by a stint in the share their memories. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill U.S. Navy. He completed the on June 12, 2010, provided his doctorate in 1961, writing his dissertation on American children, friends, colleagues, and former students an opportunity librarian and bibliographer Charles Evans. The University Page 7 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

of Illinois Press published this in obtained a significant NEH Congress confirmation 1963 as Charles Evans: American grant in 1985. Holley stepped hearings during the mid-1970s. Bibliographer , a book that down as dean that year but Dad took several of us with garnered Holley the ALA remained on the faculty until him to Washington to testify Scarecrow Press Award. 1995 as William Rand Kenan, Jr. on behalf of ALA that the Professor. In later years he Librarian of Congress should Formal training and practical conducted significant research be a Librarian. At the experience in hand, Holley for a history of the University of hearings, only a couple of began his meteoric rise in the North Carolina—a reflection of senators showed up. Then the American library profession. At his longstanding interest in all room was flooded with Secret the suggestion of his dissertation aspects of American higher Service agents, and in came advisor, Robert Bingham education. Carl Albert, Speaker of the Downs, he moved to Texas in House and next in line for the 1962 to direct the library of the Those interested in learning Presidency at the time. He University of Houston. There he more about this kind man, who said, in essence, Dan actively promoted racial diversity marshaled his considerable Boorstin’s a good ol’ boy from among the staff. Holley intelligence and energy “for the Oklahoma. My Daddy knew appointed Charles D. good of the order,” should his Daddy, so let’s put him in. Churchwell as assistant director consult the festschrift edited by Needless to say, Daniel Holley often for public services—the first his former doctoral students and Boorstin was confirmed as African American professional colleagues: For the Good of the Librarian of Congress (where “marshaled his employed on campus. He Order: Essays in Honor of Edward he did a very good job), and I oversaw a major addition to the G. Holley (Greenwich, Conn.: got an excellent lesson in considerable library and actively participated JAI Press, 1994). James V. practical politics. Dad knew all in state library affairs, serving as Carmichael, Jr.’s outstanding along that the ALA position intelligence and president of the Texas Library personal memoir and didn’t stand a chance, but he Association in 1971. During his chronology of Dr. Holley let us figure that out, and at the energy ‘for the time in Houston, Holley served provide keen insight into his same time he taught us a the broader profession through character and prodigious lesson about doing the right good of the active participation in the professional contributions, and a thing even when you knew it Association of College and select bibliography compiled by was doomed.” —Jens Holley, order’.” Research Libraries, including E. Jens Holley documents his Clemson University several years as editor of the father’s scores of books, essays, ACRL Publications in and journal articles. The Edward ”My first memory of Ed: As a Librarianship . G. Holley Papers are preserved student intern at the 1974 ALA in the Southern Historical conference, I was invited to Holley moved his family to Collection of the Louis Round the ALA President's Reception Chapel Hill in 1972, when he Wilson Library at the University at the Hilton Penthouse. My was appointed dean of the of North Carolina. —Maurice mentor, ALA president Jean School of Library Science at the C. York, Eastern Carolina Lowrie, graciously introduced University of North Carolina. University me to her successor, incoming He recruited outstanding faculty ALA President Ed Holley, at members, expanded the school’s the time also Dean of the master’s program to two years, UNC library school and a well- and instituted a Ph.D. program Some Memories known library historian. In while continuing to write and to that very diplomatic and serve the profession. During his “Dad always incorporated the gracious way he had about him tenure as president of the family into his professional life. he asked me about my research American Library Association He took us with him to interests. For the next fifteen (1974–75) he played a key role in conferences, encouraged us to minutes—in the midst of a stabilizing the finances of the ask questions, explained what he cacophony characteristic of an troubled organization. He was doing and why. He treated ALA president's reception actively participated in the our naive suggestions seriously, Library History Round Table of and let us work things out for — continued, next page ALA and promoted the Library ourselves. A good example of History Seminar, for which he this was the Librarian of 

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Ed Holley, cont.

it was like I was the only person number of interviews that That day he demonstrated that in the room he was interested in seemed to go on and on forever. masterful mentoring is often talking to. He not only Some of the interviewers were about asking the right question maintained that interest in my obviously less than enthusiastic at the right time.” —Gary career thereafter, he read every about someone with a historical Marchioni, University of book manuscript I published bent. UNC-Chapel Hill was not, North Carolina at Chapel Hill before 2000.” —Wayne A. as I recall, an exception to this Wiegand, State impression. Ed Holley, however, University treated me kindly and with Lasting Tributes respect and interest. He later One way to keep Dr. Holley’s “Ed Holley influenced how I gave me some UNC Press books spirit alive is to attend and practice academic librarianship that were germane to my own support LHRT’s yearly Edward more than anyone except for research. These random acts of G. Holley Memorial Lecture. D.W. Krummel, my dissertation kindness seem to have been part This event, held during every advisor. I trailed in Holley’s and parcel of his life.” —Louise ALA annual conference, features footsteps, attending Lipscomb, S. Robbins, University of distinguished researchers from Peabody, and Illinois, and he Wisconsin, Madison outside the LIS discipline whose graciously offered doctoral works provide special insight to “random acts of advice though I had not chosen “Ed Holley was a legendary the history of libraries, reading, UNC. I have read and re-read mentor and leader. When I or print culture. Recent invitees kindness seem to what Holley wrote about the arrived in Chapel Hill in 1998, included Dr. Ronald Zboray and work of the historian and the Ed was Emeritus Professor and Mrs. Mary Zboray, of the have been part nature of the library. In my own took me to lunch at the Carolina University of Pittsburgh, who writing, I hope to replicate Coffee Shop. As we walked described their research about and parcel of his Holley’s clarity of expression and back to Manning Hall, Ed asked reading during the Civil War. affinity for a good story.” — me one of the most The Holley lecture is supported life.” Mark Tucker, Abilene transforming questions of my through the proceeds of an Christian University life. He asked: Why are you endowment. If you would like to here? This deceptively simple make a contribution, phone “My first ALISE in January question continues to give me ALA’s Development Office at 1- 1991, I was interviewing for jobs pause and helps me to focus on 800-545-2433, ext. 3259. and had more than a reasonable what is centrally important. 

Richard LeComte, cont. material. Two librarians who RL : For librarians, I choose improved access to their were active in the campaign for Callimachus of Cyrene—the collections through Web access PLR sent me information and cataloger of the Library of to the OPAC; expanded services granted me materials, and an Alexandria. I want to find out to people of all ethnicities; intern at the Authors Guild if he used GECR2—Greco- enabled a flowering of reading scanned about 25 articles from Egyptian Cataloging Rules 2. among Millennials through story the guild’s newsletter about the times, attractive children’s areas group’s push for PLR. I also BAL : Someday, when a historian and up-to-date collections; and found staff members at the sits down to write an article about stood up for the free flow of American Library Association libraries in the first years of the information. archives at the University of 21st century, what do you think he  Illinois most helpful in finding or she will emphasize? Why? and mailing documents from the collection. RL : I think this era will be known as a renaissance BAL : If you could chat with one period for libraries, which, famous librarian or literary figure from despite enormous political the past, who would it be and why? and economic challenges, Page 9 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Primary Source Spotlight: The ALA Catalog When I was chair of LHRT, catalog to accompany the graduate students and new display. Their efforts, which professionals would sometimes resulted in classified and seek my advice on “getting dictionary lists, totaling about started” in library history 600 pages, were published and research. A frequent question distributed by the U.S. Bureau of was, “what primary sources are Education as the first Catalog of out there?—which ones do I the A.L.A Library . really need to know about?” Of course there are many! Since I In the decade that followed, staff am a 19 th - and early 20 th -century at the New York State Library enthusiast, the ALA Catalog , a continued to collect listings and bibliography published every few notes about new books. They years between 1893 and 1952, is distributed several lists for mark- definitely among my favorites. up by more than 250 “collaborators and critics” across The prefaces of each Catalog the nation. The Library of provide important clues about Congress agreed to print and the publication’s history. Three distribute the new Catalog in time years after the founding of the for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase American Library Association, Exposition in St. Louis. The proposed that 1904 catalog included more than ALA publish a list of 7,500 titles, most new to that recommended books to assist edition. After 1904, ALA rather communities in establishing new than federal agencies published libraries. As he envisioned it, the the supplements. Elva Bascom, ALA Catalog would have several the editor of , then a new goals: to guide book purchasers periodical for librarians, took and readers in selecting charge of the 3rd edition (1904– appropriate materials; provide 11), and added subject headings Cover of the third ALA Catalog , published by the the cost, publisher’s address, and for each book—another American Library Association in 1923. Image other ordering details; include important aid for catalogers. Dewey Decimal Classification, Subsequent editors of the courtesy of Bernadette A. Lear. Cutter numbers, and other catalog began their work by cataloging timesavers; and consulting Booklist , and then obviate the need for libraries to queried a large number of of a person who checked-off compile and print their own librarians and academic each volume available at his or holdings lists. Despite the ALA specialists in their respective her institution. Interestingly, executive board’s approval of fields. New volumes appeared in the early volumes include the project, Dewey postponed 1923 (covering 1912–21), 1926 statistics on the number and the effort “owing to a lack of (1922–25), 1933 (1926–31), 1938 percentage of volumes in each means.” Finally, in 1893, ALA (1932–36), 1943 (1937–41), and Dewey classification. One developed a “model library” as 1952 (1942–49). evident trend is a decrease in part of the U.S. Bureau of books on natural science and Education’s exhibit at the World I am lucky to own nearly every an increase in works on the Columbia Exposition. A book edition in print, but you can find “useful arts”—part and parcel selection committee sorted some online through Google of an industrializing society. through recommendations Books Search (http:// Over time, the catalog’s listings provided by more than 75 books.google.com ). What a for history also decreased while librarians throughout the treasure-trove for anyone those for sociology increased, country. Mary Salome Cutler, interested in the contents of perhaps an indication that then the “Vice-Director” of the public libraries, as well as the library school Dewey had canon-making and canon-using established in Albany, directed activities of librarians. Several of — continued on page 11 students in preparing a printed my copies bear the pencil marks 

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What Is It?: The Perforating Stamp

Several years ago, I was working Newsletter , I thought. So I began Library Bureau lined up in the Business, Science, and to research further. It turns out endorsements from “the most Technology Department of information is difficult to find. I important libraries of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Since tried Cannon’s Bibliography of country.” In its 1900 catalog, “the Pratt” is one of Maryland’s Library Economy , the New York H.L. Elmendorff of the Buffalo oldest and best-known libraries, Times Historical database (full-text testified, “I believe perforation I frequently retrieved old items of the paper back to 1851), to be the best and safest from its subterranean stacks. American Periodicals Series online, marking.” Zella Dixon of the Municipal frugality had turned Google Books Search , and a variety University of Chicago felt that parts of the lowest level into a of article databases. Gosh, the Library Bureau’s perforator warehouse of obsolete Wikipedia didn’t even have was “the quickest, most durable, technology. As I flew down an anything! and accurate machine … with aisle one morning, my sweater which I am acquainted.” caught on something and yanked Judging from United States it to the cement floor with a patent indexes, it appears that I do not know how the Library crash! Oh nuts! the earliest perforating stamps Bureau learned about perforating were designed in the late 1860s– stamps or decided they could be I knelt down to examine the late 1870s by men who sought adapted for library use. But it’s “My sweater victim. I had never seen anything better ways to cancel postage interesting to contemplate the like it. The thing was made (see patent #89213 by J.C. different professional standards caught on entirely of metal and resembled a Gaston; #180309 by Charles held by librarians of yesteryear. heavy-duty stapler. It had a Armstrong; #185285 by Charles Today, most preservationists something and sturdy arm which pushed some V. Brinkerhoff; #194884 by would swoon if a colleague kind of die down into a punch- George F. Almy; and #217173 suggested that they punch holes yanked it to the plate. Odd. I picked up a dusty by John L. Tucker). Yet these through a valuable book or piece of scrap from the floor, stamps were all held in hand and drawing. Yet in its day, the cement floor slid it under the die, slowly scarcely resemble the Library perforating stamp was seen as a pulled the arm, and watched Bureau machine. In 1879, great improvement over messy with a crash!” closely. Dozens of tiny pins Ferdinand C. Roberts and Byron ink pads, or embossers that descended and drilled a design A. Hathaway of Chicago crimped the pages. As George T. into the paper—ENOCH patented an “adjustable Clark of San Francisco Public PRATT FREE LIBRARY. Since perforating-stamp” which they Library noted at the time, the I had to run back to the claimed combined a stand, lever, perforating stamp ensured reference desk, I quickly jotted arm, heads, plates, and adjustable “permanence without down an engraving on the punches for the first time (see objectionable disfiguration.” He machine—“L.B. Perforating patent #217640). Back then, would certainly be surprised that Stamp.” they envisioned that the device most of today’s libraries have would be helpful for ticketing returned to the dreadful ink At the time, I didn’t have the rail passengers. In the 1880s and stamp. motivation to learn more about 1890s, Christian C. Hill, John this weird little item. In fact, I Stenwall, and others made I also wonder how librarians of a completely forgot about it until a improvements to Roberts’ and century ago would feel about couple of months ago, when a Hathaway’s designs (see patents how we mark our books these colleague sent me some “old #409324, #433003, and days. In the past, it wasn’t junk” that her library was #486906). uncommon for staff to glue a weeding from its shelves. She book review or a clipping from knew of my interest in library By the early 20 th century, the dust jacket into a book, history and mailed me three beat librarians were using perforating pencil-in the vendor, price, -up product catalogs from the stamps to mark ownership of accession number, and make Library Bureau company. As I their books. They typically countless other markings. thumbed through the 1900 punched the endpapers, title Librarians hardly do that edition, I experienced the shock page, or a leaf of the text, and anymore. Another thought that of recognition. There it was, on sometimes prominent comes to mind is our pg. 71—the “Library Bureau illustrations, too. They probably profession’s early adoption of Perforating Stamp.” did so to discourage theft. To new technology. Although our What fun filler for LHRT advertise its new product, the predecessors might be awestruck Page 11 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

by online gaming, Facebook , MP3 players, and other electronica that we take for granted, they certainly shared our technological curiosity and our hope of serving the public more effectively.

Having resigned from the Pratt years ago, I sometimes wish I had grabbed that perforating stamp before I left. Who knows where it is today? If you own a stamp, bring it to an ALA meeting. I’d love to play with it! —Bernadette A. Lear, Penn State Harrisburg  “Today, most

preservationists

Perforating stamp sold by the Library Bureau. Detail from would swoon if Classified Illustrated Catalog of the Library Department of Library Bureau (: Library Bureau, 1900), pg. 71. Image courtesy of a colleague Bernadette A. Lear. suggested that ALA Catalog, cont. they punch holes through a individual events and persons of When I looked up Dewey 371.9 school libraries (1928), and the past where losing importance (special education), a topic near public libraries (1930 or earlier). valuable book within a modern world of to my heart, I found Leonard In 1930, Charles B. Shaw and clashing social forces. Porter Ayres’ Laggards in Our or drawing.” Schools (New York: Russell Sage, compiled A List of Books for Although scholars have focused 1909), Henry Herbert Goddard’s College Libraries (Chicago: ALA). on early librarians’ role as School Training of Defective Children They continued this effort with a censors, another way to think (New York: World Book, 1914), supplement in 1940. A about the matter is to consider John Bentley’s Problem Children generation later, collection the dialogic nature of libraries, (New York: Norton, 1935), and development efforts at the authorship, publishing, and Harry Jay Baker’s Introduction to University of California led to a reading. While librarians were Exceptional Children (New York: similar publication (after several creating informational and Macmillan, 1944). These were editions, it is now called Resources literary landscapes for their the best books available in their for College Libraries ). Or perhaps patrons, available materials were day, and each in turn shaped a the professional consensus that shaping everyone’s generation of readers. had sustained the catalog began understanding of the world to fray? At any rate, the ALA around them. It seems to me I haven’t yet figured out why Catalog deserves study if that researchers are only ALA discontinued publication of someone hasn’t gotten to it beginning to explore the features its catalog. My best guess is that already. It is one of the of that interactive terrain. The similar resources existed. Since important landmarks of early ALA Catalog provides us a sense the early 1900s, H.W. Wilson 20 th -century librarianship .— of how people of the era Company had been printing Bernadette A. Lear, Penn discussed, and how librarians catalogs for fiction (1908), State Harrisburg categorized, their experiences. children’s literature (1909), high 

LHRT N EWSLETTER Page 12 Library History Seminar Highlights

Editor’s Note: Marianne Martens with whom I longed to catch and Alycia Sellie received LHRT up. Sadly, we will have to wait travel grants to attend Library History five years for Library History Seminar. Marianne enjoyed a Seminar XIII. successful career in children’s publishing (Bloomsbury) and is Janice Radway and Wayne currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Wiegand delivered keynotes. Rutgers. Alycia recently received her Radway’s presentation on girls MLS from the University Wisconsin- and zines had me mulling over Madison and is pursuing a graduate “empowerment,” “agency,” and degree in American Studies while “authenticity,” and on the working full-time at Brooklyn College zinester community of practice. Library. Below they describe the And Wiegand’s intriguing experience of attending a special lecture about his “Main Street” conference for the first time. project included an early retirement tribute—a A Bibliophile’s presentation of the “Wayne “This Wiegand Librarian Collector Buffet Card.” Wiegand debuted as #64 conference of a list of 100 “Famous Librarian Trading Cards,” Marianne Martens, reporting from I was the happy recipient of an Library History Seminar. Image provided an all- ALA grant to attend the which included “Party Girl” September 2010 Library History Parker Posey (#32), and courtesy of Ellen Pozzi. you-can-eat Seminar (LHS) XII conference Melville Louis Kossuth Dewey in Madison. As soon as I opened (#100). buffet of topics, the program, I was overwhelmed centered on the Boston by an amazing array of A few other personal highlights Athenaeum’s member-based included: researchers, presentations. So many of the book reviews. Written on slips sessions spoke to my own of paper glued inside book ●Christine Jenkins and Mikki and ideas.” interests—how would I choose covers, in five words or less, this between two concurrent Smith presented disturbing marginalia presents a rich tool sessions? In addition to depictions of race in early 20th for studying readers and cultural providing rich presentations, the century children’s literature, sensibilities, as well as an best conferences present which key librarians such as interesting precedent for online opportunities for collaboration Charla Mae Rollins fought with peer-to-peer reviewing. and brainstorming, and LHS XII recommended lists of literature; ●Also about reviewing, DeNel was no exception. A and Melanie Kimball presented Rehberg Sedo raised questions conversation with Sharon didactic American-authored of “trust” in book reviews, and Domier about manga-reading children’s books from the same explored the cultural impact of teens raised ideas about a era about “foreign” cultures. “high culture” colliding with possible co-authored article. An While these well-meaning books “low culture” in televised book inspiring discussion with Janice were intended to be enlightening clubs such as Oprah, or Richard Radway produced much internal and educational, they were really and Judy. best at reinforcing cultural debate about girls and creativity. ●Apropos book clubs, who stereotypes. A chat with the sizeable knew that Sears had one in the Graduate School of Library & ●Ellen Pozzi’s research on 1940s? While “The People’s Information Science (GSLIS) “foreigners” on our shores Book Club” could never contingent, including Christine reveals how the Newark Public compete with the omnipotent Jenkins, Cindy Welch, and Library rose to become a part of Book-of-the-Month Club, Loretta Gaffney, led to new immigrants’ “information Christine D’Arpa’s talk provided ideas about researching teen neighborhood” at the turn of the a remarkable look at the librarians of the 1970s and other 20th century. dissemination of cultural possible collaborations. Alas ●Ross Harvey’s aptly-named hegemony via America’s largest time flew by. There were people presentation, “Story Develops retailer. I never got to meet and others Badly Could Not Finish,” ●Looking to the future, Jessica Page 13 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Lingel’s creative presentation on participants were supportive, dichotomy. Radway is also alternative libraries dished up a helpful and inviting throughout interested in libraries as one serving of library optimism in the weekend. It was a really nexus in the world of a zine; our current climate of doom, wonderful experience for me; how libraries are one site of starting with a refreshing take on one that you hope every zine circulation and reception. discarded collections. academic conference will be— Or one point on a larger map, intriguing presentations by located within a terrain of From different periods to thoughtful scholars combined power, position, perspective different places, all connected by with useful feedback and and location. Radway is also the “Main Street” theme, this discussion. I even brought home following how these zines are conference provided an all-you- a book, Collecting Librariana , from preserved and used within can-eat buffet of topics, the LHS silent auction. This was library spaces, perhaps researchers, and ideas. Many a fitting title for this conference, according to each curator's thanks to Bernadette Lear and for on Saturday evening, after own perspectives of girls and LHRT for this opportunity. — the plenary, all participants were feminism. She delighted many Marianne Martens, Rutgers given their own Wayne Wiegand with her thoughts about the University librarian trading card; in varying milieu that these celebration of the CHPCMA co- objects move through and the “much of my own A Return to founder (and also, I believe, in communities that circle around celebration of library ephemera them. What Radway would like work has Madison through and “librariana”). to do (as her work continues) is interview those who enter centered on Print The highlight of the conference into the life of a girl zine. I am for me was hearing Janice A. very excited to see this work zines and Radway speak at Friday’s explored further. I was very happy to return to my plenary, where she presented alternative alma mater this September for "Can the Underground be Other presentations of note the Library History Seminar XII: Saved?: Girl Zines, the for me were Andrew L. “Libraries in the History of Print Librarians Who Love Them, and Knighton’s beautiful paper on materials and Culture” conference of the the Reconfiguration of the the architecture of libraries in Center for the History of Print Literary Sphere." Much of my postwar Los Angeles, Melissa thus I was very Culture in Modern America. I own work has centered upon Adler’s work deconstructing appreciated this conference very zines and alternative materials, subject excited to hear much as a new(er) librarian just and thus I was very excited to headings and “paraphilias,” beginning to publish and pursue hear this talk. I was impressed Emily Knox’s theological take [Janice Radway’s] print culture studies. I found a with what I heard. Radway’s on contemporary book delightful mix of topics and time research departs from a study of challenges in West Bend, talk.” periods covered throughout the zines as material artifact and Wisconsin and Emily conference. The organizers and instead follows the networks that Drabinski’s continuing and zine materials pass detailed examination of through. She is classification “universes” in interested in what which we fix identity. I am zines represent as thankful for this dedicated time they travel through that I got to spend in Madison, spaces and between thinking and reflecting as I people. She rejects often did when I lived there, the idea that zines— about the history of books, and especially girl print, libraries and library zines—are created activism, and where all of this within a pure, is headed in the future. — authentic Alycia Sellie, Brooklyn underground, and College furthermore, that  there even is an Alycia Sellie, another recipient of LHRT’s above/below travel grant. Image courtesy of Alycia Sellie.

LHRT N EWSLETTER Page 14

Just in Time for the Holidays: A Birdhouse!

Are you seeking the perfect gift State University. $99 plus $10 shipping. for your library, yourself, or a special library-buff? You can’t If you purchase one of these Home Bazaar, a premier beat this—a birdhouse modeled lovely items, you will not only manufacturer of architectural on a Carnegie library! shelter wildlife through the frigid birdfeeders, is offering them for winter months, but you will also sale. Each fully-functional The Birdhouse is benefit the ALA’s Cultural birdhouse has three nest boxes, the “brainchild” of Wayne Communities Fund. The CCF is and is sturdily constructed of Wiegand, author of Irrepressible an endowment that builds exterior grade plywood. Reformer (Chicago: ALA, 1996, capacity in libraries for public Although modeled on the the seminal biography of Melvil programming. It funds Osage, Iowa library, it resembles Dewey) and the forthcoming professional development and a hundreds of Carnegie buildings Main Street Public Library: variety of event planning and throughout the United States. Community Places and Reading presentation resources for What a cute decoration for your Buy a birdhouse, Spaces in the Rural Heartland by community libraries. Proceeds library or backyard! For more University of Iowa Press. also benefit FSU’s Jean E. details, see Home Bazaar’s web benefit ALA’s Wiegand dreamed up the idea Lowrie Endowment, named site, http:// when visiting the Osage, Iowa after Wiegand’s mentor, which www.hbbirdhouse.com/hb- Cultural Carnegie Library, one of the provides scholarships to school 9066_.271_.fj10.htm .—Wayne institutions studied in his book. library media students. Although A. Wiegand, Florida State Communities The birdhouses are being sold as the birdhouse’s regular price is University, and Bernadette A. a fundraiser for the American $150, ALA members and Florida Lear, Penn State Harrisburg Fund! Library Association and Florida State alumni can obtain one for 

Public Library Birdhouse, for sale through Home Bazaar of Bethpage, NY. Image courtesy of Home Bazaar Page 15 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Get Involved with LHRT!

LHRT is seeking nominees for The secretary-treasurer position organizes LHRT’s Research several positions on its is a three-year commitment. In Forum, a scholarly program held Executive Committee. ALA the first year, the secretary- at ALA’s annual conference. elections take place in the spring, treasurer-elect heads LHRT’s The following year, the vice- and new officers will begin their Membership and Outreach chair becomes chair of LHRT. terms immediately following the Committee. In this role, he or The chair sets the agendas of annual conference. All nominees she is responsible for recruiting LHRT’s executive committee for office must be current and retaining members. The meetings, facilitates decision- members of ALA and LHRT. If secretary-treasurer-elect also making processes, appoints you are interested in running for attends all LHRT executive committees, orients new officers, office, please read the position committee meetings, is ready to and delegates and monitors the descriptions below. You may take notes in the secretary- work of the round table. The also consult current Executive treasurer’s absence, and attends chair also represents LHRT at Committee members, as well as trainings provided by ALA’s ALA’s Round Table LHRT’s bylaws (see http:// Budget Analysis and Review Coordinating Assembly, LHRT Officer www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/ Committee. The second year, the Planning and Budget Assembly, Nominations lhrt/governance/lhrtbylaws/ secretary-treasurer-elect becomes and other venues. The chair lhrtbylaws.cfm ). To nominate a “full” officer, responsible for organizes LHRT’s programs for ♦ Deadline: December 31, yourself or another member for recordkeeping and monitoring the annual meeting, including the office, contact Bernadette A. the finances of the round table. Edward G. Holley Memorial 2010 Lear ( [email protected] ). Working with the chair and ALA Lecture and the Invited Speakers staff liaison, the secretary- Program. The third year, the ♦ Contact Bernadette A. treasurer also develops LHRT’s chair becomes immediate past- Lear, [email protected] Member-at-Large budget for the following year. chair. The immediate past-chair The third year, as past secretary- serves on LHRT’s Nominating LHRT has two members-at- treasurer, he or she will ensure and Elections committee, as well large, elected at staggered terms that copies of key round table as the Membership and so that there is one new member documents are passed to new Outreach Committee. The past- -at-large each year. Members-at- officers and archived at ALA’s chair also updates LHRT’s Officer large may be called to serve on headquarters. Throughout his or Handbook and other important the Membership and Outreach her three years of service, the documents. Throughout his or Committee, Program candidate is expected to attend her three years of service, the Committee, or Research meetings, participate in decision- candidate is expected to attend Committee, or assist with other making, and contribute to other meetings, participate in decision- activities at the chair’s discretion. efforts of the round table. The making, and contribute to other They may also serves as ideal secretary-treasurer is a efforts of the Round Table. The “greeters” or otherwise help detail-oriented person who has ideal vice-chair/chair-elect is a with logistics at LHRT’s already served LHRT in other person who has successfully held conference programs. capacities, and is comfortable office in LHRT or a similar ALA Throughout their two years of with (or is eager to learn about) unit, and has outstanding service, the members-at-large are organizational budgeting and communication and expected to attend meetings, financial monitoring. management skills. — participate in decision-making, Bernadette A. Lear, Penn and contribute to other efforts State Harrisburg of the round table. This position Vice-Chair/Chair  is ideal for LHRT members who wish to “get their feet wet.” -Elect They are conscientious and enthusiastic volunteers who give The vice-chair/chair-elect their best efforts for a variety of position is a three-year tasks. commitment. The vice-chair of LHRT leads the Research Committee and is responsible Secretary- for appointing members to LHRT’s various awards Treasurer committees. The vice-chair also

LHRT N EWSLETTER Page 16

News from Libraries & the Cultural Record

Editor’s note: LHRT has a preparing a call for papers for and a history minor. She longstanding relationship with another special issue focused on completed the intensive Libraries & the Cultural Record, a “valuing the library”—a topic of Workshop in Business peer-reviewed journal published by the perennial importance to library Opportunities (WIBO) in New University of Texas Press. L&CR administrators and others who York City, for which she later “explores the creation, organization, seek measurements of libraries’ became an instructor in the preservation, and utilization of impact upon individuals and marketing section. Heather collections in libraries, archives, and society. This interesting topic Graham may be reached for museums in the context of cultural and grew out of the Library Research journal matters at (512) 471- social history, unlimited as to time and Round Table’s recent seminar at 5268 or place,” making it a vital resource for the University of Maryland’s [email protected] . library historians. L&CR has been iSchool. ranked among the top 20 percent of David Hovde journals in its field by the Australian The editors welcome Heather ([email protected]) continues Research Council, one of few Graham as L&CR ’s new as the LHRT representative on organizations in the English-speaking Managing Editor. Mrs. Graham the L&CR board, and is joined world that has attempted to rank the joined the staff on October 19, by Charles Dollar, the new Watch for an quality of scholarly journals. 2010. Mrs. Graham has more representative of the Archival than 10 years’ experience as a History Roundtable of the SAA. L&CR CFP on Libraries & the Cultural Record professional editor, writer and LHRT members who have continues to develop thought- marketing consultant. She has comments, concerns, or ideas “Valuing the provoking issues. A special issue worked with clients from diverse about the journal should contact on libraries and librarians during fields, including research, Mr. Hovde, or Dr. David Gracy Library”! the Great Depression, guest- government, law, and education. ([email protected]), the edited by Jim Carmichael, will be Prior to joining the journal, Mrs. editor of Libraries & the Cultural going to press soon and is Graham launched a Brooklyn, Record .—David B. Gracy, scheduled to arrive in NY-based marketing and University of Texas at Austin. subscribers' hands next August. copywriting firm. Mrs. Graham  Larry N. White, Assistant holds a B.A. in English from Professor of Library Science at Texas A&M University, with an East Carolina University, is emphasis on technical writing Call for Nominations: Dain and Winsor Awards

LHRT will be awarding two LHRT research forum. LHRT’s Research Committee prestigious prizes in 2011: the The Justin Winsor Essay Prize will formally announce the Phyllis Dain Dissertation Award, recognizes the best winners in the spring. You may and the Justin Winsor Essay unpublished essay written in self-nominate. For more Prize. English on the history of information, see LHRT’s libraries, librarianship, or book awards page ( http:// The Dain Award is given in culture. The Winsor Prize is www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/ “odd” years, and recognizes given annually, and the award lhrt/popularresources/ outstanding original research on includes $100, a citation, brief awards/awards.cfm ). Please a significant topic in the history recognition during the LHRT direct further inquiries to Tom of books, libraries, librarianship, research forum, and an Glynn ( [email protected] ), or information science. invitation to have the winner’s chair of the committee. — Dissertations completed and paper considered for Bernadette A. Lear, Penn accepted in the preceding two publication in Libraries & the State Harrisburg Library academic years (2008–2009 and Cultural Record .  2009–2010) are eligible. The award is $500, a citation, and The deadline for nominations brief recognition during the is January 15, 2011 and Page 17 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Call for Papers: LHRT Research Forum

They should consider the Forum will most likely take place History of various motives and values that on Sunday, June 26, 2011. All Library Services influenced the users of the presenters must register to libraries as well as the librarian attend the conference. For and Collections providing services and registration options, see the ALA collections. conference page at: http:// for Business, ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/ Industry, Labor, LHRT welcomes submissions upcoming/annual/index.cfm . from researchers of all and Artisans backgrounds, including students, faculty, and practitioners. Each DEADLINE FOR The Library History Round proposal must give the paper PROPOSALS: Table (LHRT) of the American title, an abstract (up to 500 December 15, 2010 Library Association (ALA) seeks words), and the scholar’s one- papers for its Research Forum at page vita. Also, please indicate DEADLINE FOR LHRT Research Forum the ALA Annual Meeting in whether the research is in- COMPLETED PAPERS: New Orleans, June 23–28, 2011. progress or completed. It is June 12, 2011 ♦ Deadline for proposals: The theme of the forum will be recommended that the abstract the history of library services and include a problem or thesis, as Please submit proposals and December 15, 2010 collections for business, well as a statement of direct inquiries to: industry, labor, and artisans. We significance, objectives, ♦ Contact Tom Glynn, Tom Glynn hope to present a range of methods/primary sources used [email protected] papers that examine a variety of for the research, and conclusions LHRT Vice-Chair/Research types of libraries and historical (or tentative conclusions for Committee Chair periods. The theme should be works in progress). Alexander Library, Rutgers interpreted broadly. Possible University Libraries topics might include mechanics The LHRT Research Committee 169 College Ave. and mercantile libraries in the will select a number of authors New Brunswick, NJ 08904 nineteenth century, special to present their completed work Telephone: (732) 932-7129, ext. libraries in the twentieth century, at the Forum. The program will 128 or public library service to be publicized in January 2011. So E-mail: [email protected] unions or entrepreneurs. that the forum’s facilitator may  Presenters should place their introduce and react to each topic within larger social, author, completed papers are cultural, and political contexts. due June 12, 2011. The Research This Season in Library History August 4 th , 2010: 275 th of the State of New York, The March 4 th , 2011: 150 th anniversary of the trial of John Trail of John Peter Zenger , http:// anniversary of the opening of Peter Zenger, editor of the New www.courts.state.ny.us/ the Government Printing York Weekly Journal who had history/zenger.htm (accessed Office. For a detailed history, been jailed for publishing November 16, 2010). see 100 GPO Years, 1861–1961: criticisms of Governor William A History of United States Public Crosby. Though Zenger’s January 5 th , 2011: 125 th Printing (Washington, D.C.: acquittal did not change existing anniversary of the opening of Government Printing Office, libel laws, it did show that the Enoch Pratt Free Library in 1961. Available online at http:// American juries supported Baltimore, Maryland. For a www.gpo.gov/pdfs/about/ freedom of speech, and asserted chronology, see Enoch Pratt GPO_100Years.pdf ). — that they would return verdicts Free Library, Highlights of Pratt Bernadette A. Lear, Penn that ignored evidence and the Library’s History , http:// State Harrisburg letter of the law. For digitized www.prattlibrary.org/about/  primary sources, see The index.aspx?id=1604 (accessed Historical Society of the Courts November 16, 2010).

LHRT N EWSLETTER Page 18

NewsRequest from for LibrariesSite Proposals: & the CulturalLHS XIII Record The Library History Round Executive committee members LHRT Executive Committee. Table of the American Library will select a site primarily based Please e-mail any questions to Association (LHRT) is issuing on written proposals received by Dr. Kimball at the above e-mail this request for proposals for an the deadline. address or call (617) 521-2795. institutional host for Library Information on past Library History Seminar XIII to take The host institution finances the History Seminars is available in place in the year 2015. Library History Seminar using Edward Goedeken’s “The grants, gifts, internal budget Library Historian’s Field of allocations and registration fees. Dreams: A Profile of the First History and Previous conferences featured a Nine Seminars,” in Library Overview limited number of scholarships History Research in America , edited The Library History Seminar for graduate students. LHRT by Andrew B. Wertheimer and (LHS) was established in 1961 may also provide a small grant Donald G. Davis, Jr. and has become the most for scholarships. It is imperative (Washington, DC: Center for the prestigious international that proposals include Book, 2000), 161-172, which conference dedicated to the information on budgeting the also appeared in Libraries and study of the history of conference, and potential Culture 35 (Winter 2000): 161- sources of funding to make the 172. LHS XIII RFP librarianship. LHS takes place every five years. The Library of seminar possible.

♦ Deadline: December 31, Congress and major research Recommended libraries and schools of library LHRT decided at the 2002 2010 and in-formation studies, most annual and midwinter meetings Application recently at the University of to select the institutional host on factors besides the conference Outline ♦ Contact Melanie Wisconsin, Madison’s Center for Print Culture, have been LHS theme, so this section is Kimball, hosts. The conference often optional. The Ad-Hoc Proposal to Host Library Melanie.kimball@ attracts over 100 scholars from Committee recommends that History Seminar XIII (2015) hosts select a theme, but simmons.edu across the United States and abroad. Papers from past emphasizes that this is an Committee Chair conferences have been published important scholarly forum that ●Name as a special issue of the journals should provide ample ●Address Libraries and Culture and Library opportunities for historical ●E-mail Trends , and also in monograph research presentations on other ●Telephone form. aspects of library history in its ●Fax widest scope, and encourage diversity of speakers in terms of Committee Members The Selection geography, ethnicity, gender and subject specialty while also Institutional Sponsor Process maintaining LHS’s high The LHRT Executive standards for historical research. Potential Co-sponsors Committee is charged with selecting a site in the same year that the LHS is held. This allows Application Planned number of days time for the host to gather funding, co-sponsors, and Details Proposed dates complete a proposal. In order to facilitate that decision the LHRT Please send your proposal by Conference Location Ad-Hoc Committee on Library December 31, 2010 in electronic [Please provide specific details, History Seminar XIII created form (as either MS Word including whether the this request for proposal attachment or as plain e-mail conference facility would be a document to guide potential text) to Melanie Kimball at private or public space. How hosts. LHRT’s Executive [email protected] . many meeting rooms will be Committee will make the final available for the LHS and specify decision at the ALA midwinter The document should be 2 to 5 fees. Please also briefly address meeting in January 2011. pages long. Proposals will be transportation issues relating to sent to all members of the the location (i.e., what is the Page 19 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1

Request for Site Proposals: LHS XIII, cont.

closest major airport and how publicity and handle Please submit proposals and does one get to/from there and reservations. Please also propose direct inquiries to: the conference location).] an estimated registration fee. Melanie A. Kimball Accommodations The committee also encourages LHRT Chair [Please specify what hotel/ the host to look for internal/ Graduate School of Library and dormitory facilities are available external grants to support the Information Science within walking range of the seminar. The host will be Simmons College conference location.] responsible for securing these 300 The Fenway grants. Grants make it possible Boston, MA 02115 Financial and Institutional to keep registration fees Telephone: (617) 521-2795 Support affordable, and bring graduate E-mail: This section will understandably students and keynote speakers. [email protected] be rough and tentative, but the Please list possible sources of  committee wants to see that the grants or other income you host will be able to arrange might approach in order to clerical support to take care of finance the seminar.

We Welcome Your Comments and Submissions!

The LHRT Newsletter editor available online at http:// body of an e-mail, or attach a welcomes comments and www.personal.psu.edu/bal19/ file in Microsoft Word. submissions. Please limit LHRTnewslettereditorialguidel comments to 100 words and direct ines.pdf . You don’t need to We hope to hear from you them to Bernadette A. Lear write in “library hand”—just soon! —Bernadette A. Lear, ([email protected] ). Authors submit your article within the Penn State Harrisburg should anticipate that their  comments will be published in the next issue.

We hope LHRT Newsletter will develop into a magazine which publishes a variety of material. Possibilities include brief biographies of pathbreaking librarians; short architectural histories of notable library buildings; interviews with “movers and shakers” in LHRT; book and web site reviews; descriptions of important or unusual primary sources; and much more. Other than items that pertain to LHRT business, all submissions should be 300–2000 words. Prospective authors are encouraged to contact Bernadette A. Lear Detail of “library hand” copy card. From the 1902 Library Bureau product ([email protected] ) prior to submission. Rough guidelines are catalog, pg. 202. Image courtesy of Bernadette A. Lear. Library History Round Table The Library History Round Table (LHRT) was Executive Board, 2010/2011 founded in 1947 to commemorate great library leaders of the past and to celebrate the importance of libraries in Chair Melanie Kimball, Simmons College society. Since then, LHRT members have critically [email protected] examined libraries and their services in light of class, culture, gender, geography, race, and other perspectives. Vice-Chair/ Tom Glynn , Rutgers University LHRT is an inclusive and diverse organization that Chair-Elect [email protected] supports anyone who is interested in the history of libraries. LHRT strives to further the study of history Past Chair Bernadette Lear , Penn State Harrisburg [email protected] of libraries and reading through thought-provoking programs and monetary awards for outstanding Secretary/Treasurer Mark McCallon , Abilene Christian University research. We encourage library schools to incorporate [email protected] historical content and methodology in their curricula and to support students who are doing historical research. Secretary/Treasurer- Joyce Latham , University of Wisconsin-Madison Through involvement in LHRT we offer members the Elect [email protected] opportunity to network with colleagues interested in library history. LHRT members include librarians, Past Secretary/ Lorna Peterson , University of Buffalo archivists, curators, and others doing historical research; Treasurer [email protected] LIS students with a background or interest in history, faculty in LIS, the humanities, and related disciplines; Member-at-Large Maurice York , Eastern Carolina University [email protected] aAdministrators, staff, and volunteers working in historic libraries; and retirees. Member-at-Large Eric Novotny, Penn State University Park [email protected]

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