Instruction in the Use of Libraries Committee | The American Library Association Archives

In April 1966 representatives of the American Library Association and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) held a INT meeting in Washington, D.C., to discuss the possibility of cooperative collaboration. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss pre-service education of teachers in the utilization of library materials. Contrary to the original purpose of the INT meeting, these discussions centered on the "instruction of students," especially college freshmen, and the use of library resources (1). At the conclusion of the meeting, ALA representatives agreed to set up an Ad Hoc committee on Instruction in the Use of Libraries in order to continue discussion and recommend feasible and constructive action (2).

The objectives, as stated by ALA representatives, consisted of the following:

a. to identify and coordinate the various activities of ALA in the area of instruction in the use of libraries and to initiate or refer to specific division appropriate action.

b. to continue exploration with (AACTE) as to possible cooperative activities in this field of INT concern.

c. to report back to the ALA Board with recommendations for a program of action by ALA during the (ALA) San Francisco Conference (3).

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Instruction in the Use of Libraries was established as the Instruction in the Use of Libraries Committee (standing) by the ALA Council in 1967 during its Annual Conference in San Francisco. From its inception in 1967 the objectives of the committee have remained constant with those agreed upon at the 1966 Washington meeting. Added responsibilities include conducting studies and promoting research in the use of libraries, and serving as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of information on library instruction programs (4).

Sub-Groups:

1-Secretary

1. ALA Executive Board and Executive Director Committee Files, 1950-78, Library Instruction folder, 1966-74, Series 2/4/11 ALA Archives.

2. ALA Executive Board, Minutes, 1967 Annual Conference, San Francisco, Exhibit 2, p. 4, ALA Archives.

3. ALA Council, Minutes, 1967 Annual Conference, San Francisco, Exhibit 6, June 1967, ALA Archives.

4. ALA Handbook of Organization and Membership Directory 1984/85.