The International Relations Office, 1956-1972

Abstract

The American Library Association (ALA) has had three International Relations Offices: the first existed from 1943 to 1949, the second from 1956 to 1972, and the third was founded in 1986 and is still with us. Each has had a distinctive character: the first was project oriented, primarily involved with book programs for European libraries and library development in Latin America; the second was the planning and advisory body the first had been intended to be; and the current office handles business that directly concerns the association or its members, such as representation in international organizations and exchanges of librarians (Kraske, 1995;Brewster, 1976; International Relations Office, 2005; Michael Dowling, personal communication, September 30, 2005). It is the second office, described in the ALA Archives as the "New" International Relations Office, that is the International Relations Office discussed in this article. It functioned in the period of the Cold War between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the rapid transformation of European colonies into independent states, and the widespread adoption of planning in these newly independent nations to promote economic and social development.

Libraries, museums and cultural centers in foreign policy and cultural diplomacy: a scoping review

“…Books, languages and literacies : Most studies explicitly described the use of books, library collections, information and reference materials to advance foreign policy goals and strategies, especially with countries such as Canada, China, France, Russia, the UK and the USA (Cavell, 2009; Dalton, 2007; Guth, 2008; Laugesen, 2010; Lincove, 2011; Makinen, 2001; Mokia, 1995; Morinaka, 2019; Prieto, 2013; Rajczak, 1997; Richards, 2001; Robbins, 2007). During the Cold War period, the US formed the US Information Agency (USIA) and created the Franklin Book Programs project to promote America’s image and values of freedom and democracy by distributing books and establishing libraries in developing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia (Guth, 2008; Laugesen, 2010).…”

“…At the height of the Cold War, library book programs (Cavell, 2009; Laugesen, 2010; Maack, 2001; Makinen, 2001; Richards, 2001; Robbins, 2007; Sergounin, 2000); book publishing and distribution (Mokia, 1995; Robbins, 2007); library cultural exchanges and programs (Morinaka, 2019); librarianship, library training and library technology (Richards, 2001); and partnership with professional associations, such as IFLA and academic institutions and universities (Carroll, 1986; Cavell, 2009; Dalton, 2007) were used for information and cultural propaganda to win allegiances abroad. However, despite this, the library’s value as an instrument for enlightenment, enrichment and education (Maack, 2001; Richards, 2001) and an agent for democratic and civic engagement ideals prevailed and remained a positive influence on the foreign public across the globe (Prieto, 2013).…”

“…Books, languages and literacies: Most studies explicitly described the use of books, library collections, information and reference materials to advance foreign policy goals and strategies, especially with countries such as Canada, China, France, Russia, the UK and the USA (Cavell, 2009;Dalton, 2007;Guth, 2008;Laugesen, 2010;Lincove, 2011;Makinen, 2001;Mokia, 1995;Morinaka, 2019;Prieto, 2013;Rajczak, 1997;Richards, 2001;Robbins, 2007).…”

“…Few studies discussed library management practices and the technical skills needed to organize the collection; however, some mentioned library educational exchanges as a method to learn library practices in different countries. Both government and nongovernmental actors, including professional organizations and private foundations, were involved in library consultations and surveys, cataloging and classifications, acquisition and collection development, publishing and translations and library training and exchange programs for knowledge transfers to partner countries and institutions (Carroll, 1986;Dalton, 2007;Laugesen, 2010;Lor, 2008;Mehra et al, 2018;Ming-yueh Tsay, 1999;Prieto Gutierrez and Segado Boj, 2016;Prieto, 2013;Rajczak, 1997;Richards, 2001;Sergounin, 2000).…”

Understanding US library diplomacy practices in the 21st century

“…These key US foreign policies were the Creel Committee of 1917–1919; the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs in 1940; the Office of War Information in 1942; the Smith–Mundt Act of 1948; the United States Information Agency in 1953; and the Fulbright–Hays Act of 1961 (Cull, 2008; Elder, 1967; Maack, 2001; Melissen, 2005; Richards, 2001). The USA’s foreign policy goals were focused on fostering relationships by promoting liberal values and ideals like peace and democracy through different forms of media such as books, pamphlets, newspapers, films and radio broadcasting, and through reading and information programmes (Dalton, 2007; Laugesen, 2010; Maack, 2001; Makinen, 2001; Mokia, 1995; Morinaka, 2019; Prieto, 2013; Richards, 2001), cultural and aid programmes supporting English-language learning, and educational and facilitating library exchange activities (Glant, 2016; Guth, 2008; Richards, 2001; Robbins, 2007).…”