The Library History Buff

Promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and preservation of library history

Library Heritage Centers in the States: A Concept

 Purpose of the Library Heritage Centers  

• To promote an understanding and appreciation of the history of libraries and librarians in the state and the preservation of artifacts and archives that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the state’s library history.

 Organization of the Library Heritage Centers 

• This would vary from state to state and could be similar to the state Centers for the Book. 
• The state library association could take a leadership role in the initial organization of the library heritage center by establishing an ad hoc Library Heritage Center Steering Committee.
• A National Library Heritage Center  or an existing national level entity such as the American Library Association or the Library of Congress could take on the role of certifying or recognizing state library heritage centers just as the Library of Congress does with the Centers for the Book.
• The Wisconsin Library Heritage Center is an example of one possible format for a state library heritage center.

 Potential Projects

• The establishment of a library hall of fame for the state
• The designation of important library heritage sites in the state
• The sponsorship of temporary and/or traveling library history exhibits
• The publication of a popular history of libraries in the state
• The publication of a scholarly history of libraries in the state
• The establishment of a library history publication awards program
• An inventory of archival collections of importance to the state’s library history
• A project to digitize these archival collections and other important  documents related to the state's library history
• An inventory of artifacts and collections of artifacts of importance to the state’s library history
• The establishment of a permanent library history exhibit or library history museum

 Potential Partners 

• The state library association/s
• The state historical society or museum
• The state library agency
• The state humanities council
• The state friends of libraries group
• Individual libraries and library friends groups
• Library vendors in the state

This site created and maintained by Larry T. Nix
Send comments or questions to nix@libraryhistorybuff.org
Last updated: 12-16-08   © 2005-2008 Larry T. Nix
Also check out the Library History Buff Blog.