The History of Library Services and Collections for Business, Industry, Labor, and Artisans

The Library History Round Table (LHRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) seeks papers for its Research Forum at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, June 2011. The theme of the forum will be the history of library services and collections for business, industry, labor, and artisans. We hope to present a range of papers that examine a variety of types of libraries and historical periods. The theme should be interpreted broadly. Possible topics might include mechanics and mercantile libraries in the nineteenth century; special libraries in the twentieth century; public libraries and unions or entrepreneurs. Presenters should place their topic within larger social, cultural, and political contexts. They are encouraged to consider the various motives and values that influenced the users of the libraries as well as the librarians providing services and collections.

LHRT welcomes submissions from researchers of all backgrounds, including students, faculty, and practitioners. Each proposal must give the paper title, an abstract (up to 500 words), and the scholar’s one-page vita. Also, please indicate whether the research is in-progress or completed. It is recommended that the abstract include a problem or thesis, as well as a statement of significance, objectives, methods/primary sources used for the research, and conclusions (or tentative conclusions for works in progress).

The LHRT Research Committee will select a number of authors to present their completed work at the Forum. The program will be publicized in January 2011. So that the forum’s facilitator may introduce and react to each author, completed papers are due June 12, 2011. The Research Forum will most likely take place on Sunday, June 26, 2011. All presenters must register to attend the conference. For registration options, see the ALA conference page at: http://ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/upcoming/annual/index.cfm .

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS : Jan. 15, 2011

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED PAPERS: June 12, 2011

Please submit proposals and direct inquiries to:

Tom Glynn
LHRT Vice-Chair/Research Committee Chair
Alexander Library, Rutgers University Libraries
169 College Ave.
New Brunswick, NJ 08904
Telephone: (732) 932-7129, ext. 128
E-mail: glynn@rci.rutgers.edu