Brief Description: Files of the League of Library Commissions, affiliated with the American Library Association, from its initial formation in 1904, until its incorporation into the ALA in 1942 as the State Agency Section of the Extension Division, through 1951 when it became the Library Extension Section (later the Library Extension Board) of the Public Library Division, now the Public Library Association, contains president's records, correspondence, secretaries' reports (1904-1934), proceedings and minutes of meetings (1932-42), conferences (1907-24, 1937-40), and the League handbooks (1906-22), includes correspondence with Marjorie Beal (1934- 37), Elizabeth Williams (1935-36), Catherine Yerxa (1936-38), Ruth O'Malley (1938-42), Constance Bement (1937-39), Hazel B. Williams (1939-44), and correspondence on the Supplement to Library Laws (1935-42).

Record Series Number: 29/5/5

Created by: Public Library Association (PLA), Library Extension Board

Volume: 1.2 Cubic Feet

Acquired: 04/26/1974.

Arrangement: By subject and chronological thereunder

Biographical Note for Public Library Association (PLA) :

The Public Library Association is interested in the general improvement and expansion of public library services to all ages in various types of communities. PLA has specific responsibility for:

1. Planning of programs of study and service for the public library as a total institution.

2. Establishment, evaluation, and promotion of standards in the public library field.

3. Review of and bringing together the activities of all unites within the ALA that have a bearing on public library service.

4. Representation and interpretation of public libraries in contacts outside the profession.

5. Stimulation of the development of public librarians and trustees, and stimulation of participation by PLD members in appropriate type-of-activity divisions.

6. Conduct of activities and projects for improvement and expansion of service in this type of library, when such projects are beyond the scope of type-of-activity divisions, after specific approval by the ALA Council.

The Public Library Division was formed by the merger, in August 1950, of the Division of Public Libraries, the Library Extension Division, and the Trustees Division. Bylaws were adopted June 1951 (1).

The Division of Public Libraries was approved by vote of Council in March and October, 1944, following organization meetings, filing of petitions by nearly 1200 members, and preparation of a tentative draft of a constitution and bylaws.

The purpose of the division was to advance public library interests and to cooperate in the promotion of library services in general. The name of the division was changed to the Public Library Association (PLA) in 1958 (2).

Subject Index

Languages of Materials