An analysis of the historical growth and development of the West Virginia Library Association and its effect upon the advancement of public librarianship in the state of West Virginia.

摘要

This historical study investigated the origin, growth, and development of the West Virginia Library Association (WVLA) and the impact which its objectives, programs, and services had upon the growth of librarianship in the state of West Virginia. Major activities and programs of the WVLA from 1914 to the present were detailed; organizational changes (officers, constitution and bylaws, finances, membership, etc.) were cited; the role of the WVLA in fostering public library growth was examined; the relationship between the WVLA and other civic and professional organizations was investigated; and the degree to which the West Virginia experience fit the development of public librarianship and library associations in the Southeast and the nation was examined.;During its developmental years the WVLA eagerly sought the establishment of a state library commission and urged the passage of library legislation. The prominent role in library development which the WVLA played prior to the establishment of the West Virginia Library Commission was greatly diminished after the Commission was established and later grew in power and prestige. Increased federal funding to the Commission, poor internal planning within the Association, and an inability to react to the ever-changing political environment within the state are factors which influenced the decline of the Association's former power.;Appendices include the WVLA's original constitution and bylaws; WVLA officers 1914 to the present; Library Services Act and Library Services Construction Act appropriations, 1957-1990; WVLA conference sites and themes; a chronology of West Virginia library history; list of chairpersons of WVLA sections; and a list of Library Appreciation Day Dinners.