In June 1954, the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section began as a committee within ACRL. "ACRL authorizes a committee on rare books, manuscripts and special collection" (1). At the July 14, 1958 ACRL Board meeting the board created the Rare Books Section (2). At the June 24, 1971 ACRL Board meeting the Board changed the section's name to the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (3).

The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section "represents librarians and specialists concerned with the care, custody and use of rare books, manuscripts, and archives and provides its members with a means of communication via publication, programs and meetings" (4).

The following committees make up the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section:

1) Conference Program Planning

2) Education and Professional Development

3) Exhibition Catalogues Awards

4) Information Exchange

5) Nominating

6) Pre Conference Program Planning

7) Publications

8) Security

9) Bibliographic Standards

10) Conservators' Collations (ad hoc)

11) Developing Guidelines for Borrowing Special Collection Materials for Exhibitions (ad hoc)

12) Ethical Standards Review (ad hoc)

13) Gifts and Appraisal Brochure (ad hoc)

14) Guidelines on Archives and Manuscripts Review (ad hoc)

15) Legislative Information (ad hoc)

16) Literary Rights (ad hoc)

17) Orientation Manual

18) Records and Retention (ad hoc)

19) Statistical Survey Feasibility (ad hoc) (5)