ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries


245

was the problem of reorganization and the 
ACONDA study. Miss Edmonds referred back 
to the membership meeting at the Annual Con­
ference in Detroit and stated th at the officers 
wanted to know the membership’s wishes on 
federation or a similar concept. She then asked 
Mr. Lou Jacob, Chairman of one of the Task 
Force committees, to read the goals which his 
group had drafted. These were read. (See Ex­
hibit III of the ACRL Board of Directors Meet­
ing in this issue.)

Following Mr. Jacob’s presentation the dis­
cussion centered around the feasibility of sep­
aration from ALA or federation; it was felt that 
perhaps ACRL should go along for the time be­
ing on an “as is” basis, while a program was be­
ing worked out and alternatives explored. Mr. 
Arthur McAnally, University of Oklahoma, then 
made a brief statement. He referred to ALA as 
chaotic, unchangeable, and beyond hope. He 
mentioned that the Committee on Academic 
Status has been hamstrung financially and inter­
fered with by other units of ALA. He said 
ACRL is suffering attacks on its publications 
program, and although paying the largest 
amount in dues of any division, was getting lit­
tle in return. He said we must control our own 
destiny, work for our own members, set our 
own dues and decide on our own programs. He 
felt we should poll the entire membership to 
determine which course they wished to follow 
—complete separation, federation, or organiza­
tion as ALA wishes. If we should decide to go 
the separation route, he declared, a target date 
of September 1, 1973, should be set. It was also 
suggested th at in the interim all academic li­
brarians who are not presently members of 
ACRL should be questioned to learn if they 
would be inclined to join the Association once 
it served primarily their interests.

Miss Edmonds adjourned the meeting at ap­
proximately 4:15 p.m. ■ ■

SURVEY UNDERWAY

A nationwide survey of library and informa­
tion center statistics and data practices is un­
derway. This announcement was made by the 
National Center of Educational Statistics of 
HEW ’s Office of Education. The study will be 
conducted by Hemer and Company, Washing­
ton, D.C., library and information systems con­
sultants. It is the first step toward develop­
ment of a national statistical information system 
for the collection, analysis, and coordination of 
data on all types of libraries and information 
centers. The survey will cover both publicly 
and privately controlled institutions and li­
brary development and training activities.

The pretest version of the survey materials

will be forwarded to approximately 100 federal 
and state agencies and nongovernmental organi­
zations. The final version will be sent to the 
heads of all government agencies in the fifty 
states, the District of Columbia, and other 
areas under the jurisdiction of the United 
States. In addition, it will be sent to non­
governmental organizations such as professional 
associations and accrediting bodies.

A basic purpose of the study is to identify 
and characterize existing mechanisms within 
state and federal agencies as well as non­
governmental organizations for the collection 
and reporting of library and information center 
statistics and data.

A further purpose of the study is to identify 
and characterize agencies and organizations 
that do not presently deal directly with such 
statistics or data, b u t might, through present 
statistical or data-gathering activities in other 
areas, have the potential to do so. The survey 
questionnaire will not only ask a limited num­
ber of questions pertaining to practices a t the 
state and national levels, but will also request 
copies of all survey, instruction, or report forms 
used to solicit information. It will also request 
copies of any reports, directories, or other end- 
products generated by the agencies or organi­
zations as a result of their statistical or data- 
gathering activities. ■ ■

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