Brief Description: Library Technology Project Files contains brochures, contracts, correspondence, evaluations, manuscripts, photographs, product samples, questionnaires, and reports relating to the 85 projects initiated by the program in order to provide research, testing, and standardization in the fields of library supplies, equipment and systems, projects include adhesives, audio-visual equipment, binding standards book conservation, copying equipment, labeling and trucks, catalog card cabinets and reproductions, circulation control, compact shelving, fire insurance, floor coverings, furniture, laminators, lighting, microform reader-printers, pamphlet boxes, record players, steel shelving, stolen book detectors, study carrels, and typewriters. Note: one alphabetical index is included with the finding aid.

Record Series Number: 15/1/5

Created by: Library Technology Program Office

Volume: 14.3 Cubic Feet

Acquired: 09/11/1986.

Arrangement: Arranged numerically by project number

Biographical Note for Library Technology Program Office :

The Library Technology Project (full official designation "Library Technology: A Standards Program on Supplies and Equipment") was established in 1959 (1) and refunded as a two-year project by a grant from the Council on Library Resources. Its purpose was to provide librarians with accurate information about machines, equipment and systems, to guide inventors in developing new devices; to set specifications; and to disseminate information through a publication (2).

To carry out these objectives the Library Technology Project worked in five major areas:

1. Technical information service

2. Development of standardization program

3. Testing

4. Research and development

5. Systems study (3)

In 1963 the Advisory Council approved the continuation of the Library Technology Project for five years (4). In 1963 it approved a five-year program to broaden partial funding from the ALA (5), in 1964 the project became a committee of the ALA rather than a Library Administration Division Committee (6). In July 1966 it was renamed the ALA Library Technology Program (7). It continued as a permanent program until 1972 when it was dissolved on the recommendation of the Committee on Program Evaluation and Support (8).

The Library Technology Program had a full-time director and staff of four (9), with one additional member appointed to represent the Special Libraries Association in 1962 (10).

Subject Index

Languages of Materials

Finding Aid Revisions: Added box folders to Subject Index - 02/23/2023