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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
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