The Chapter Relations Committee held its first meeting at the 1967 Annual Convention in San Francisco, California (1). It was chartered to exist for a period of two years (2). The committee life was extended for another two years at the 1969 Annual Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey (3). During this time it was known as the Chapter Relationships Special Committee (4). In 1971, it was referred to as the Coordination on Chapter Relationships Special Committee (5). In 1972 it became a standing committee named Chapter Relations (6).

In 1979, the ALA established a Chapter Relations Office under the Associate Executive Director, Communication Services (7). The Chapter Relations Committee serves as an advisory committee to this office (8).

At its inception, the Committee was expected to "communicate with the representatives of state Chapters to Council to secure basic data concerning each chapter and opinions on ALA-chapter relationships" (9). Its purpose is to "promote the development and recognition of Chapters as integral components of ALA; to encourage discussion, activities, and programs that support the mutual interests of ALA and the Chapters; to advise when requested on proposals and actions of other ALA units that may affect Chapters; to provide a forum wherin Chapters can share ideas and concerns of common needs and goals; to communicate these Chapter needs and goals to ALA and ALA goals, programs, and priorities to the chapters; to encourage and maintain a cooperative and supportive relationship among ALA, its units and the Chapters; to formulate and review . . . requirements for Chapter status; and to serve as an advisory committee to the Chapter Relations Office" (10).