Urban Libraries Council

Urban Libraries Council is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the role of public libraries in urban areas of the United States, working with institutions like the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Library Association. The organization's work is informed by the principles of democracy, equity, and inclusion, as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By partnering with organizations like the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Urban Libraries Council aims to strengthen the capacity of urban libraries to serve their communities, much like the New York Public Library and the Los Angeles Public Library. The organization's efforts are also guided by the work of library science pioneers like Melvil Dewey and S.R. Ranganathan.

● History

The Urban Libraries Council was founded in 1967 by a group of library directors from major American cities, including New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, who were inspired by the Great Society programs of President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The organization's early work was influenced by the social movements of the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-war movement, and was supported by organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Over the years, the Urban Libraries Council has worked with numerous library systems, including the Boston Public Library and the Seattle Public Library, to develop innovative programs and services, such as literacy programs and job training initiatives, often in partnership with organizations like the National Coalition for Literacy and the Job Corps. The organization has also collaborated with universities and research institutions, like the University of Illinois and the MIT Libraries, to advance the field of library science and promote best practices in urban librarianship.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Urban Libraries Council's mission is to support the transformation of public libraries into vibrant community hubs that promote literacy, education, and economic development, as outlined in the Library Services and Technology Act and the Museum and Library Services Act. The organization's objectives include promoting excellence in urban librarianship, fostering innovation and creativity in library services, and advocating for policies and funding that support the development of strong libraries in urban areas, often in collaboration with organizations like the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Urban Libraries Council also seeks to build partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies, such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to leverage resources and expertise in support of urban libraries and their communities, much like the Partners for Livable Communities and the National League of Cities.

● Membership_and_Partnerships

The Urban Libraries Council has a diverse membership that includes public libraries, library systems, and library organizations from across the United States, such as the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the Association of Research Libraries. The organization also partners with a range of national organizations, including the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities, to advance the interests of urban libraries and their communities, often in collaboration with foundations like the Gates Foundation and the Knight Foundation. Additionally, the Urban Libraries Council collaborates with international organizations, such as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to share best practices and promote global cooperation in the field of library science, much like the International Council on Archives and the International Council of Museums.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The Urban Libraries Council offers a range of programs and initiatives to support the development of strong libraries in urban areas, including leadership development programs, innovation labs, and community engagement initiatives, often in partnership with organizations like the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and the Aspen Institute. The organization also provides technical assistance and consulting services to help libraries and library systems build their capacity and improve their services, much like the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Congress. Furthermore, the Urban Libraries Council sponsors research and evaluation projects to study the impact of libraries on their communities and to identify best practices in urban librarianship, often in collaboration with universities and research institutions like the University of Washington and the RAND Corporation.

● Research_and_Publications

The Urban Libraries Council publishes a range of research reports, policy briefs, and best practice guides to help libraries and library systems navigate the challenges of urban librarianship, often in partnership with organizations like the Pew Research Center and the National Center for Education Statistics. The organization's research focuses on topics such as library funding, library governance, and community engagement, and is informed by the work of library science scholars like Shannon Mattern and David Lankes. The Urban Libraries Council also produces case studies and success stories to highlight the innovative work of urban libraries and their partners, such as the Chicago Public Library and the Denver Public Library, and to promote replication and scaling of effective programs and services, much like the National Association of State Librarians and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The Urban Libraries Council presents several awards to recognize excellence in urban librarianship, including the Innovative Libraries Award and the Outstanding Library Leader Award, which have been awarded to library directors like Amy K. Garmer and Felton Thomas. The organization also sponsors scholarships and fellowships to support the development of library professionals and to promote diversity and inclusion in the field of library science, often in partnership with organizations like the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries. Additionally, the Urban Libraries Council has received numerous awards and recognitions for its own work, including the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and the Library of Congress' Living Legend Award, which have been awarded to library leaders like Nancy Kranich and Maureen Sullivan. Category:Library organizations