Focus on Labor Groups

January, 1974

The AFL-CIO/ALA Joint Committee on Library Service to Labor Groups issues new guidelines entitled "Library Service to Labor Groups." The Joint Committee intends for the document to assist libraries in better meeting the needs of labor organizations. Also, the new guidelines seek to foster understanding of common problems shared by libraries and labor groups.

Source: Service to labor groups. (1974). American Libraries, 5, 43.

Improving Service to Correctional Facilities

March, 1974

The ALA reports the results of a special panel entitled "Essential Library Services and the Local Jail," presented by the Library Committee of the American Correction Association (ACA) at the First National Jail Managers Seminar. The moderator of the panel was Phyllis Dalton, former president of the Association of Hospital and Institution Libraries, which is a unit of the ALA. Panelists discussed both current and future efforts to meet the library and information needs of inmates and staff, as well as concerns regarding potential security, staffing, and funding. To fulfill requests for further information, AHIL and ACA will publish jointly a document entitled Jails Need Libraries, Too.

Source: Jail managers seminar. (1974). American Libraries, 5, 149-150.

Addressing User-Oriented Service for All

January 19-25, 1975

The ALA adopts a revolutionary new goal at the Midwinter Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The new goal shifts the focus of the organization from librarian-oriented service to that of user-oriented service, which is a radical change from past attitudes, according to ALA President Allie Beth Martin. Now, the ALA will promote libraries and librarianship "to assure the delivery of user-oriented library and information services to all." This statement is a powerful message that addresses the need for equity of access.

Sources: Epilogue to a midwinter's tale: Essential reports, documents, and
statements. (1975). American Libraries, 6, 230-233.

Martin, A. B. (1975). ALA's new goal and greatest challenge.
(1975). American Libraries, 6, 546-547.