LHRT (Library History Round Table)

 View Only
last person joined: 15 hours ago 

The mission of the Library History Round Table (LHRT) is to encourage research and publication on library history and promote awareness and discussion of historical issues in librarianship.

Learn more about LHRT on the ALA website.

Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

Valerie J. Wilford-Librarians We Have Lost-Sesquicentennial Memories -1976-2026.

  • 1.  Valerie J. Wilford-Librarians We Have Lost-Sesquicentennial Memories -1976-2026.

    Posted Sep 21, 2025 11:33 AM

    Valerie Wilford

    Valerie J. Wilford, 1939-2016.

    Valerie J. Wilford held a bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University and a master's degree in library science from the University of Illinois.

    She was Executive Director of the Alliance Library System (IL).

    Valerie Wilford spearheaded the first national virtual conference for the American Association of School Libraries (AASL) and developed a FREENET for rural libraries. She was a a member of the American Library Association, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, the Illinois Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and the Illinois School Library and Media Association.

    • She was President of the Illinois Library Association in 1984. 
    • Illinois Librarian of the Year in 1992.
    •  Hugh Atkinson Award (ALA) for contributions to multi-type library cooperation and resource-sharing.
    • ASCLA/ ALA Leadership Achievement Award for setting new standards in cooperation among all types of libraries.
    • RUSA/ALA  Margaret E. Monroe Award for Adult Services

    Publications

    Wilford, Valerie J. 1993. "Technology Is Not Enough." School Library Journal 39 (November): 32–35. 

    Wilford, Valerie J., and Mary E. Palmer. 1986. Illinois Library Partners Handbook : Opening Doors to Community Coalitions for Illinois Libraries. Chicago: [Illinois Library Association].

    Wilford, Valerie, Illinois Library Trustee Association, and Illinois State Library. 1986. Continuing Education for the Library Trustee. Chicago: Illinois Library Trustee Assoc.

    Sources- 

    Wilford, Valerie J. 1993. "A Library Media Specialist Testifies before Congress." School Library Journal : SLJ. 39 (11): 32.

    Illinois Library Luminary.



    ------------------------------
    Kathleen de la Peña McCook
    Distinguished University Professor
    School of Information
    University of South Florida
    ------------------------------