Just for Fun: Librarianship Theater

Although a significant amount of an archivist’s work is spent communicating with donors and researchers, in addition to arranging and conserving or preserving a continuous influx of documents, there is always time for a little fun too.

Archives are not exclusively repositories for records of historic value; but, they are also home to a great variety of documented human experience! Don’t believe us? Then read on about early theater and librarianship connections!

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Publications: Booklist Books, 1919-1940

From 1919 through 1940, during the period between both World Wars, the American Library Association and librarians produced an annual series of resources to support library collection development known as Booklist Books. Each publication is a helpful overview of suitable books for general library communities published each year. Read on to learn more about Booklist Books!

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Publications: Library Extension Board Publications

Following World War One and A.L.A. War Service program, the American Library Association’ Committee on Library Extension (later Library Extension Board) produced a great many publications supporting the work of county, district, regional, and rural librarians as well as their peers across the United States. Some of these publications can be found in Record Series 29/5/11, which contain brochures, pamphlets, and administrative reports, as well as a few surprises too.

Read on to learn about Library Extension Board publications!

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Publications: Newsletters of the Office of Federal Relations and Washington Office

Since 1946, Federal Relation News (1946-1949), Washington Newsletter, and Washington News have provided information resources about libraries and legislation across the nation. In fact, older issues are still information rich for current and future readers.

Read on to learn more about the art and history of Federal Relations News and Washington Newsletters!

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Just for Fun: 22 Steps to Build Your Own Public Library

Although a significant amount of an archivist’s work is spent communicating with donors and researchers, in addition to arranging and conserving or preserving a continuous influx of documents, there is always time for a little fun too.

Archives are not exclusively repositories for records of historic value; but, they are also home to a great variety of documented human wisdom! Don’t believe us? Then read on about starting your own library in the A.L.A. Archives!

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Publications: Jewish Caucus Newsletter

Forty two years ago, at the 1976 Midwinter Convention, the recently established Jewish Librarians Caucus (now Jewish Information Committee) also founded a publication which would serve as an information rich resource on world issues from a Jewish perspective and issues affecting Jewish librarians and their communities. Other archival holdings also document a history of Jewish librarian leadership.

Read on to learn more about the Jewish Caucus Newsletter!

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Publications: The Art and Literature of the 1938 Science Booklist for Boys and Girls

Eighty years ago, in 1938, a Booklist series was produced to support interest in science among children. Published and prepared by the Section for Library Work with Children (later Division of Libraries for Children and Young People; now Association for Library Service to Children), the series highlighted recent publications about science while including delightful images and literary quotes to inspire readers.

All fourteen issues can be found in Record Series 24/3/2. In fact, with a little archives and library research, some readers might be delighted to know about the artists who were involved with this series too.

Read on to learn about the 1938 Science Booklist for Boys and Girls!
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