Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). African-American Studies Librarians Section | The American Library Association Archives

Established as a section within the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) of the American Library Association (ALA), the African American Studies Librarians Section (AFAS) is the outgrowth of a discussion group consisting of dynamic librarians with interest in and concern for African American studies and librarianship. Its circle of founding leaders include Clarence Chisholm, Stanton Biddle, Doris H. Clack, and William Welburn, among others (1).

ACRL's African-American Studies Librarians Section provides the resources - ideas, programs, discussion forums and networking opportunities - to support the development of African American Studies librarianship and resources in academic and research libraries.

AFAS has four goals:

1. Promote African American Studies librarianship.

2. Actively participate in the preservation of African American history and culture.

3. Partner with African American Studies educators to promote the continued research and study of African American history and life.

4. Collaborate with African American Studies scholars in the academy and in the African American community.

AFAS offers many opportunities for members to become involved in committee activity, program planning, and professional exchange related to African American Studies librarianship. AFAS meetings take place at each ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. Those interested in the study of African American life and history as it intersects with librarianship are welcome to attend (2).

(1) Welcome to AFAS, https://afasacrl.wordpress.com/

(2) About AFAS, https://afasacrl.wordpress.com/organization/about-afas/