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17-479: In the United States of America, state library agencies established in each state have long been a catalyst for a great deal of the motivation for public library cooperation. This has been since the founding of the movement, starting in 1890 when Massachusetts created a state Board of Library Commissioners charged to help communities establish and improve public libraries. Over the years, state library agencies played

34-567: A major role in encouraging larger units of service to provide library resources. The Library Services Act (1956) and the Library Services and Construction Act (1964) were keystones in the goal of providing library service throughout the nation. In addition, many of the 50 states have state archives similar to the federal National Archives and Records Administration to keep records relating to information on state laws, census information, etc. Library Services Act Until passage of

51-496: A plan to the Commissioner of Education that demonstrated how the funds would be used, whether for library personnel, books, or equipment. Thus, making state and local governments prioritize the improvement of their libraries while also establishing their own initiatives and objectives. Since federal government was not favorably looked upon at the time, the law stated multiple times the state’s authority regarding any decisions toward

68-580: A shift to a state-funded program for library services and construction seemed somewhat unfeasible. Additionally, a re-examination of which library services should be preserved and which should be abandoned has been suggested. Perhaps as a result of this opposition, in 1995 the LSCA was replaced by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), dropping construction from the federal funding available. Its change of title in 1995 notwithstanding, numerous library programs and services have been initiated by funds through

85-671: A struggle for funding, especially in rural areas. After the Great Depression in 1929 and the creation of the Works Progress Administration in 1935, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, the American Library Association (ALA) realized federal funding was the best solution. Carleton Joeckel headed the committee on Post-War Standards for Public Libraries in 1943. In 1948 Joeckel and Amy Winslow wrote A National Plan for Public Library Service published by

102-479: The U.S. Congress , provides federal assistance to libraries in the United States for the purpose of improving or implementing library services or undertaking construction projects. The 88th U.S. Congress passed the S. 2265 bill which the 36th President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson enacted into law on February 11, 1964. Since public libraries depended on local taxes, sometimes there would be

119-729: The American Library Association. In 1956, the ALA was finally able to persuade Congress to pass the Library Services Act , which provided funds for public library initiatives but did not extend to buildings or land. Influenced by the civil rights movement of the 1960s, a primary aim of the Library Services and Construction Act was to provide funding for underserved and/or disadvantaged communities in need of library service. Some of these groups include but are not limited to

136-597: The American Library Association. Julia Wright Merrill, Secretary of the Public Library Extension Committee of the American Library Association , was instrumental in the legislative process. In 1983 Edward G. Holley and R.F. Schremser produced a historical overview that includes discussion of major participants in the legislation. To receive funding under the Library Services Act, state library administrative agencies were required to submit

153-630: The Federal Relations Committee of the American Library Association, chaired by Paul Howard, as critical in providing support for ALA to have a representative in Washington, D.C. Paul Howard was the first director of the ALA Washington Office. Discussion of the need for national library legislation increased during and after World War II . In 1948 Joeckel and Amy Winslow wrote A National Plan for Public Library Service published by

170-560: The LSA as well. When the Library Services and Construction Act became effective in 1964, the formation of regional and statewide library networks continued to grow. The LSA was set to expire in 1961, but plans were already in motion to prolong the act. On May 26, 1960, the Senate passed a five-year extension without a single opposing vote. An Allerton Park Institute on the Impact of the Library Services Act

187-423: The Library Services Act public libraries depended on local taxes. In 1935, as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, the American Library Association recognized that federal funding was a solution to expand services. Carleton Joeckel headed a committee on Post-War Standards for Public Libraries in 1943. In the fifty-year history of the American Library Association's Washington Office, Molumby has identified

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204-424: The Library Services and Construction Act, and continue to depend on those funds for their existence. An example of one program funded through the LSCA is Project PLUS (Promoting Larger Units of Service). This program uses federal funding so that library systems can demonstrate the services of a library to a group of unserved residents, so that they may experience what services and resources would be available to them if

221-449: The acquisition of foreign-language materials. While changes to the Library Services and Construction Act have sought to keep this piece of legislation current, through the years many have voiced opposition to certain aspects of this act. Federally funded, many programs for the purpose of educational and social development have more traditionally been a fiscal responsibility of each individual state . Though with shrinking state budgets,

238-484: The institutionalized, the physically handicapped, low-income families, senior citizens, and ethnic minorities. In its thirty-year history, the Library Services and Construction Act has undergone numerous reauthorizations. Each amendment has been dictated by changing needs in the library community, and these needs have been identified and voiced by state librarians and public library directors alike. Some of these amendments include appropriations for literacy programs and

255-528: The library services. Overall, the LSA had a major positive impact on libraries throughout the rest of the country. An additional 5 million books and other informational and educational materials were secured for rural communities. Many libraries noted a 40% or more increase in book circulation as well, along with a 32% increase in interlibrary loans. Other accomplishments included 288 bookmobiles for rural communities and 800 new library staff members. Multitype and public library systems were established due to

272-432: The library’s goals, management, or collection. However, up until 1961, Indiana was the only state that did not accept federal funds. Governor Harold Handley believed that by accepting the funds, “Hoosiers would be brainwashed with books handpicked by the Washington bureaucrats.” U.S. Representative John Brademas of Indiana vehemently disagreed. It was reported that Gov. Handley rejected approximately $ 700,000 to improve

289-467: Was held in 1962 jointly sponsored by the University of Illinois, Graduate School of Library Science and United States Office of Education , Library Services Branch. 1962. Only a few years later, the Library Services and Construction Act would be introduced replacing the Library Services Act. Library Services and Construction Act The Library Services and Construction Act , enacted in 1964 by

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