New England Library Association (NELA) (Mss. Gr. 153.1)

The recent acquisition to the New England Library Association collection was given to Special Collections by NELA executive secretary, Barry Blaisdell, and contains documents ranging from 1963 to 2003 with the bulk of the material dating from 1990-1999. The records, comprising approximately 6 linear feet, represent aspects involved in maintaining a non-profit organization and include membership lists, annual reports, conferences, grant applications, newsletters, postage logs, flyers, and photographs. The records are arranged in alphabetical order in the executive secretary files Series I.

NELA’s emphasis on professional development can be viewed by studying their programming. Programs offered by NELA include Counterparts. Counterparts brings together association officers from New England, giving these officers the opportunity to meet their counterpart officers from other states. Programming is also offered by sections within NELA. All sections offer educational conferences to librarians with common interests, and the records of these sections provide the researcher a glimpse of the fascinating diversity inherent within NELA.

The meticulous records NELA maintains of its not-for-profit organization are apparent in the detailed financial information provided in Treasurer Joanne Palko's records. These records, donated on September 11, 2003, comprise Series II, are arranged alphabetically by subject, and include audit reports, budgets, bank statements, cash disbursements, financial statements, revenue and expense sheets, and tax forms. Revenue is generated from membership dues, contributions and yearly conferences. The funds are used to publish newsletters, maintain a web site, and provide library science and conference scholarships.

The records of the New England Technical Service Librarians (NETSL) were placed on deposit with Special Collections by Nadine Baer, University of Rhode Island librarian and former President of NETSL. The records include minutes of meetings, correspondence and printed materials comprising approximately .5 linear feet. These records, comprising Series III, are arranged alphabetically by subject and include historical information on the origin of NETSL, programs offered, and meeting minutes.

NETSL has enjoyed a history dating back to 1922, when, during an American Library Association (ALA) conference, a committee was formed by individuals interested in redoing the ALA Catalogue Section. The committee called for regional groups to hold regular meetings to discuss common issues. NETSL dedicates itself to the professional development of librarians interested in the technological aspect of library service.

Additional holdings of records for this collection exist in the repository.