Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association / Held at Waukesha, Wisconsin, July 4-10, 1901

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

44406

Title

Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association / Held at Waukesha, Wisconsin, July 4-10, 1901

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

The Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association, held in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in July 1901, documents a pivotal gathering for library professionals. Featuring addresses by President Henry J. Carr and prominent figures like Herbert Putnam, this volume explores the professionalization of librarianship, the role of state and national governments in supporting libraries, and the burgeoning field of children's services. It captures the era's debates on cataloging standards, copyright, architecture, and the evolving relationship between...

Summary up to 500 words

The Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association, held in Waukesha, Wisconsin, from July 4 to 10, 1901, stands as a pivotal historical record marking the transition of librarianship from a volunteer pursuit to a distinct profession. The volume opens with an address by President Henry J. Carr, who vigorously defends the status of librarianship as a true vocation essential for preserving literature and serving the public. He argues that librarians are not merely servants but custodians of modern culture, tasked with disseminating and safeguarding knowledge for future eras. This professionalization theme is reinforced by keynote addresses from T.L. Montgomery, E.A. Birge, and Herbert Putnam, who outline strategic approaches to library development at the city, state, and national levels. A significant portion of the proceedings is dedicated to technical and administrative standards. Discussions on cataloging rules address critical issues such as author arrangement versus title entry conventions, reflecting the ongoing evolution of classification systems. The text also features reports on gifts, bequests, and foreign library experiences, alongside resolutions passed by various committees that shaped the association's future direction. Notably, the volume includes a memorial to John Fiske, highlighting the era's respect for intellectual giants. The Section for Children's Librarians represents a major development in the conference, signaling a growing focus on specialized services for youth. Topics debated include the practical value of book reviews and annotated lists, which were often criticized for lacking discrimination or relying too heavily on publisher-supplied material. Presentations covered fiction, fairy tales, science, and reference work for children, alongside strategies for vitalizing relationships between libraries and schools. The establishment of this dedicated section was a direct result of the Club of Children's Librarians' efforts, formalizing a branch of library work that had previously been informal. The proceedings capture the intellectual climate of early 20th-century librarianship, emphasizing the need for professional instruction, the architectural design of library buildings, and the ethical responsibilities regarding book copyright and the trusteeship of literature. With nearly one thousand contributing members in attendance from across the United States and Canada, the meeting reflects a unified commitment to advancing library interests through loyalty, persistence, and a shared dedication to the "great world of books." The volume serves as both a practical guide for practitioners and a testament to the profession's maturation during this transformative period.

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Categories

• Library Science
• American Library Association