Time Line of ALA Activities: 1960-1961

Time Line of ALA Activities Regarding Equity of Access

1960-1961

The American Library Association (ALA) did little between 1960 and 1961, itself, along the lines of Equity to Access. They did take the time to recognize the LSA, passed in 1956, and some of its successes. During the year 1960 the ALA, by way of the ALA Bulletin, reported often about the advantages of the Act. They saw great extension of and development of public libraries in rural areas. The first four years of the LSA work brought bookmobiles, more books and audio visual equipment, more qualified librarians and more workshops to keep librarians knowledgeable (Wallace, 1960, p. 372). Ken McCormick, when discussing the success of the LSA, believes that good administration of public funds made all the difference (McCormick, 1960, p. 375). He concludes with questions about the renewal of the LSA. He sees no reason for its not getting renewed (McCormick, 1960, p. 377).

1961 brought increased services to the blind and other disabled patrons in public libraries including the use of Braille, talking books, personalized service, and librarian training (Greenaway, 1961, p. 320). Also, public libraries began working with state correctional facilities (Ebert, 1961, p. 332). Working closely with the American Correctional Association, the ALA helped promote library services in prisons and juvenile delinquency institutions.

References

Ebert, E. (1961). Library Service to State Institutions. ALA Bulletin, 54, 4, 332-335.
Greenaway, E. (1961). Library Service to the Blind and Other Handicapped Groups. ALA Bulletin, 55, 4, 320-323.
McCormick, K. (1960). A Broad View of the LSA. ALA Bulletin, 54, 5, 375-377.
Wallace, S. (1960). Books Come to Children Through LSA. ALA Bulletin, 54, 5, 372-375.

The University of Texas at Austin
School of Information
Website Info: access@ischool.utexas.edu