MSS SC 75, TC 44, PC 60, PC 61

Title: Manitoba Libraries Association fonds

Dates: 1973, 1975-1976

Extent: 1 cm of textual records and other material

Administrative History: In 1975, the Manitoba Libraries Association (MLA) began a grassroots campaign to increase library funding in the province. This campaign, entitled "Libraries in Crisis" was begun in response to the provincial government's cancellation of The Parkland Regional Pilot Project in Dauphin, an initiative that would have improved library services in Dauphin. The MLA sought to publicize the provincial government's neglect of public libraries, especially in rural Manitoba. The campaign utilized political lobbying and newspaper advertisements to publicize their position. Organizers believed "Libraries in Crisis" to be a qualified success as it raised public awareness of library funding in the province but that due to its small number of participants lacked the sustained pressure to enable systemic change in the province's library system.

Custodial History: The fonds was donated by the Manitoba Libraries Association, via University of Manitoba reference librarian Dan Phelan in 1981. This fonds was originally titled "Libraries in Crisis"; its present title was adopted in March 2002 to reflect the provenance of the fonds.

Scope and Content: The fonds consists of documents surrounding the Manitoba Libraries Association's (MLA) campaign to increase library funding in the province. The fonds includes MLA minutes, personal letters, association letters, and newspaper clippings. See also audio fonds TC 44 (1 audio cassette) and photograph fonds PC 60 (16 photographs) and PC 61 (32 slides) for holdings related to the same accession.

Restrictions: Open to all researchers.

Finding Aid: Finding aid is available for PC 60 and PC 61.