ACRL College & Researc Libraries News

COLLEGE & RESEARCH LIBRARIES

LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

May marks the 10th anniversary of the Library Technology Program of the American Library Association. In a statement issued on the occasion, Forrest F. Carhart, Jr., director of the Library Technology Program, said, “I am proud of the accomplishments of the Library Technology Program over the past 10 years. LTP has, I believe, made many worthwhile contributions to the library community in the areas of testing, research, publishing, invention, standards and product evaluation. In a profession,” he continued, “that 10 years ago had few guidelines or tools available to help the librarian make decisions on technical matters,

LTP has made a significant impact. Its work is now known in many countries of the world—as nearby as Canada, as distant as Australia. It gives assistance and information free—and freely—to all who seek its help, whether it concerns a $1,000 expenditure on audiovisual equipment, or the manufacture of rustproof paper clips.”

Carhart recalled that the idea of a technical project to serve the needs of the library world originated with the Council on Library Resources, Inc., and out of this idea grew a proposal that the Council undertake a researchtesting-standardization program in the field of library supplies, equipment, and systems. A grant of $136,395 from the Council transformed the idea into a reality on May 1, 1959. “How well the idea and the reality have matured is seen today in the range of LTP’s activities,” continued Carhart. “They encompass an information service, a subscription service, the development of standards, product development and testing, publishing and international cooperation.

“On this 10th anniversary of the Library Technology Program, I am particularly proud that we have been able to stimulate industry to bring to the market place products that answer the needs of librarians. We have done this in many ways, from speeches and informal talks, to marketing our own LTP inventions. I am proud, too, of Library Technology Reports, that every two months brings to subscribers much important information about products, and current technological news of interest to librarians. Its impact on the profession and on the library equipment and supplies manufacturing industry has been considerable, bringing with it an awareness by both groups of the need for better quality products and more intelligent purchasing. In another area,” he stated, “we have made considerable progress in techniques of evaluating equipment and supplies in order to determine appropriate levels of performance and durability.”

Carhart said that he was “proud of reaching the point where we support, with our own efforts, 57 per cent of our operating budget, and 29 per cent of research costs.” At the beginning, 100 per cent of Library Technology Program support came from the Council on Library Resources, Inc. Carhart added, “I must acknowledge, gratefully, the assistance given by the Advisory Committee of the Library Technology Program. Over the years, we have benefited from both the sound advice of committee members, and their considerable goodwill. Finally,” said Carhart, “I am proud of the Library Technology Program staff. From the beginning we have had a dedicated and intelligent staff always working in behalf of the Program. Together with the library profession itself, they have made success possible.”