Melanie Welch, Director of ALA's Public Programs Office, just shared this announcement:
I'm happy to share that the online ALA history timeline is now live on ALA150.org. Mining the depths of ALA's archives at the University of Illinois, the timeline features pivotal people and moments in ALA and library history, including moments to celebrate and reflects on times where ALA or the profession did not get things right.
We endeavored to create a comprehensive, user-friendly timeline that would be appealing and educational to both members and the general public. Following best practices in user experience, we narrowed ALA's history to approximately 50 timeline entries that serve as a representative collection, and to highlight important moments in ALA's history and mission. To be as inclusive as possible, ALA staff added an accompanying narrative for each event on the timeline that seeks to expand on the larger associated groups and changes that stemmed from them.
It is truly a team effort, incorporating input from staff and members across the association, including LHRT and other round tables, offices, divisions, and many others, and drawing upon the expertise of ALA's archivists and librarians. After a year's worth of work, we are pleased to finally launch the timeline.
There will also be a physical display at annual conference, featuring selections adapted from the timeline and associated materials from our archive to view. It will be another fun way to learn about our history and imagine our future as an association.
I hope any LHRT members who will be at annual conference will join us for ALA 150: A Celebration For Our Libraries, on Saturday, June 27, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Marriott Marquis, for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate ALA's 150 years. Unique experiences will be sprinkled throughout the evening, including an electrifying live band. Attendees can also mingle and recharge in the laid-back lounge, strike a pose in the 360° photo booth, watch original artwork come to life live from renowned children's book illustrator Loren Long, and take home a one-of-a-kind poem crafted just for you by a local typewriter poet!
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Jennifer Bartlett
Chair, Library History Round Table, 2025-26
Associate Dean for Engagement, Learning, and Public Services
University of Tennessee
John Hodges Library
jbartl22@utk.edu------------------------------