IN THIS DOCUMENT:

Glasgow 2002

Newsletters

Planning for Berlin

Review of Sections

Recruitment

Library History Round Table

Annual Report 2002

Glasgow 2002

• Community libraries in Scotland since the eighteenth century
  JOHN CRAWFORD
• 'The whole tragedy of leisure in penury': the South Wales Miners' Institute libraries during the Depression
  CHRIS BAGGS
• Public Libraries in the United States during the Great Depression
  CHARLES SEAVEY

A good number of history-minded delegates went on a study trip to the historic community libraries of the lead mining towns of Leadhills and Wanlockhead, in the area of Dumfries and Galloway, about 50 miles south of Glasgow (our thanks to John Crawford for helping to organise this). In addition, a number of historic libraries were included in the general programme of library visits.

The Library History Group (UK) attracted over 40 participants to its fringe conference on 'Community Libraries', which took place at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. (Our thanks to the Library History Group and also to the Royal College for generously providing, free of charge, an excellent lunch and evening reception).

Newsletters

As required by IFLA, two newsletters were produced in the year 2002-3: in December 2002 and June 2003. Having also produced two newsletters in 2001-2, The Section has now restored contact with its membership and with interested individuals in the world's library history community. At present, most people receive their newsletter by email. Approximately 15 individuals receive the newsletter by mail.

Planning for Berlin

The greater part of the Secretary's work this year has been taken up by planning for the Section's activities in Berlin. Of the three speakers whose papers were selected at the Glasgow meeting for inclusion in the Berlin Open Session, two (Hapke and Wiegand) are going forward. One speaker (Jefcoate) pulled out relatively late in the day, but a replacement (thanks to Stephen Massil) was quickly found.

Organisation of the workshop on a World History of Librarianship was largely undertaken by its director, Wayne Wiegand., who has assembled a team of 5 speakers.

The proposed study trip to libraries in Halle was rejected by IFLA. It would appear, therefore, that IFLA is willing to allow only two activities per section per congress.

Review of Sections

Recruitment

Membership of the Section is at present extremely poor. The SC and its officers therefore need to take immediate and focused action to improve recruitment. This will for a major item on the SC Agenda in Berlin.

Alistair Black