Council on Library Resources

Council on Library Resources. The Council on Library Resources was a non-profit organization established in 1956 by Verner Clapp, Frederick Kilgour, and other prominent library leaders, including Luther Evans, the former Librarian of Congress, and Keyes Metcalf, a renowned library administrator. The organization's primary goal was to enhance library services and resources, and it worked closely with institutions such as the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and National Science Foundation. Throughout its existence, the Council on Library Resources collaborated with notable figures like Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke to promote library development and innovation.

● History

The Council on Library Resources was founded during a period of significant growth and transformation in the library community, with the establishment of institutions like the National Library of Australia, British Library, and Bibliothèque nationale de France. The organization's early years were marked by efforts to improve library collections, services, and infrastructure, often in partnership with organizations such as the American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, and Special Libraries Association. The Council on Library Resources also worked with prominent libraries, including the New York Public Library, Boston Public Library, and University of California, Berkeley's library system. Notable events, like the 1964 World's Fair and the 1970 United States Census, highlighted the need for improved library resources and services, which the Council on Library Resources addressed through its initiatives.

● Organization

The Council on Library Resources was governed by a board of directors comprising distinguished library leaders, including Douglas Bryant, Richard De Gennaro, and Warren Haas. The organization's staff worked closely with experts from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's library, Stanford University's library, and the University of Michigan's library system. The Council on Library Resources also maintained relationships with international organizations, such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Additionally, the organization collaborated with government agencies, including the National Archives and Records Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Council on Library Resources developed various programs and initiatives to enhance library services and resources, often in collaboration with institutions like the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation. One notable initiative was the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS), which aimed to improve library services and information science education. The Council on Library Resources also supported the development of library networks, such as the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the Research Libraries Group (RLG). Furthermore, the organization worked with prominent researchers, including J.C.R. Licklider, Ted Nelson, and Douglas Engelbart, to explore the potential of emerging technologies in libraries.

● Impact and Achievements

The Council on Library Resources had a significant impact on the development of library services and resources, particularly in the areas of library automation, information science, and international cooperation. The organization's efforts contributed to the establishment of institutions like the National Agricultural Library and the National Library of Education. The Council on Library Resources also played a key role in promoting library development in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, often in partnership with organizations such as the Australian Library and Information Association, Canadian Library Association, and Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Notable achievements include the development of the MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format and the creation of the Library of Congress Subject Headings.

● Notable Projects

The Council on Library Resources was involved in several notable projects, including the Library Technology Program, which aimed to improve library automation and technology. The organization also supported the development of the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections and the United States Newspaper Program. Additionally, the Council on Library Resources collaborated with institutions like the Getty Research Institute and the National Endowment for the Humanities on projects related to library preservation and conservation. Other notable projects included the American Memory Project and the Library of Congress's National Digital Library Program, which were developed in partnership with organizations like the National Digital Library Program and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Council on Library Resources also worked with prominent libraries, including the Library of Congress, New York Public Library, and British Library, on various initiatives and projects.

Category:Library organizations