The University of Iowa Libraries

The Iowa Library Association was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1890. Known as the Iowa Library Society until 1897, its original organizers included Ada North, Mary Miller, T. S. Parvin, Clara M. Smith, and Clara C. Dwight. Its primary goal was to make library service available to all Iowans. This goal has not changed in over a century. Other views have changed dramatically, especially stands on censorship. When the association was founded in the 19th century, censorship in the service of high ideals was not simply tolerated ... it was an important philosophical principle of librarianship. Now the emphasis is on intellectual freedom. Beginning in the 1950s efforts to increase cooperation between libraries became a major theme. The Open Access program is one example of the trend toward multitype cooperation, bringing public, school, academic, and special librarians together to more effectively and efficiently use their combined resources to meet the needs of their patrons. Improving library service in the state remains the primary focus of the Iowa Library Association.

The records of the Iowa Library Association measure 38.5 linear feet (77 boxes) and date from 1890 through 1996, with new materials being added every few years. Arranged chronologically within an alphabetical sequence, each new addition is organized as a group unto itself maintaining the basic chronological/alphabetical order. The records document the history and activities of the ILA with subject files, publications, photographs, and correspondence. Conferences, district meetings, various board and committee minutes, reports, financial statements, etc. all contribute to the overall organizational picture. Some of the better documented committees and activities are the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Centennial Library History Project, the Intellectual Freedom Committee, the Special Libraries Roundtables, and the Governmental Affairs Committee.

Correspondence and photographs are found throughout the collection. The 1996 Addendum contains ten boxes of photographs. The various correspondence files include letters from Paul H. Cunningham, H.R. Gross, Leo A. Hoegh, Bourke B. Hickenlooper, Ben F. Jensen, W. Earl Hall, Kenneth MacDonald, Thomas E. Martin, Fred Schwengel, and William W. Waymack. Copies of the publication the Catalyst are also included.

Notes on the 2009 Addendum: If you cannot locate materials alphabetically under group title check Miscellaneous Information folders. Over time group titles change or incorporate additional groups for example: Annual Reports often include Committee Reports and Triennial Reports, Government Documents Round Table includes the Government Documents Section, and District Meetings are also called Spring Meetings. Undated material is found at the front of each folder. Conference and event folders may contain prior correspondence leading up to the year of the event. Conference speaker folders are organized by grouping individual speaker information.

Alternate Extent Statement: Photographs in Boxes 4, 53-72, 75, 86, Oversized Box; Audio Materials in Box 37.

Access: All records less than ten years old may be viewed only upon the authorization of the Iowa Library Association, its Executive Board, or any other person or persons designated by the Association or its Board. The remainder of the collection is open for research.

Use: Copyright restrictions may apply; please consult Special Collections staff for further information.

Acquisition:

Preferred Citation: Iowa Library Association Papers, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, Iowa.

Repository:	University of Iowa Special Collections
Address:	Special Collections Department University of Iowa Libraries Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone:	319-335-5921
Curator:	Greg Prickman
Email:	lib-spec@uiowa.edu
Website:	http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/spec-coll/

This collection is indexed under the following subject terms.

Corporate Names:
Association of College and Research Libraries
Iowa Library Association

Dates:
20th century

Topics:
Academic freedom
Censorship
Libraries
Library science
Public libraries
Research libraries
School libraries
Societies

Occupations:
Librarians

Geographic Names:
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa

Genre/Form of Materials:
Photographs

Title:
Catalyst