CFP for Library History Seminar XIV

Librarians Without Borders : Historical Perspectives on Library Outreach

This conference seeks to explore the history of library outreach in all of its forms. “”Librarian,” “library,” and “outreach” are defined in the broadest possible terms that still retain meaning. “Librarians” include all of those who identify as such, regardless of whether they hold academic or other professional certifications. The concept of “library” transcends that of the traditional physical location with a specific collection of books and other materials, clearly defined audience, and formally instituted policies and procedures. “Outreach” ranges from traditional formal programs designed to reach underserved and marginalized groups within a library’s community of service to physical and virtual efforts that move beyond the borders of the community to collaborations between libraries and other cultural heritage institutions. Papers that explore the unique, the unusual, and the esoteric are especially welcome.