Library Services Act

The Library Services Act (LSA) was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1956. Its purpose was to promote the development of public libraries in rural areas through federal funding. It was passed by the 84th U.S. Congressional session as the H.R. 2840 bill, which the 34th President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law on June 19, 1956.

Library Services Act
Long titleAn Act to promote the further development of public library service in rural areas.
Acronyms (colloquial)LSA
Enacted bythe 84th United States Congress
EffectiveJune 19, 1956
Citations
Public law84-597
Statutes at Large70 Stat. 293
Legislative history
  • Introduced in the House as H.R. 2280 by Edith Green (D–OR) on May 8, 1956
  • Passed the House on May 8, 1956 
  • Passed the Senate on June 6, 1956 
  • Signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 19, 1956

To receive funding, states needed to submit a plan to the Commissioner of Education that demonstrated how the funds would be used, whether for library personnel, books, or equipment.[1] Thus, making state and local governments prioritize the improvement of their libraries while also establishing their own initiatives and objectives. Since federal government was not favorably looked upon at the time, the law stated multiple times the state’s authority regarding any decisions toward the library’s goals, management, or collection.[2]

However, up until 1961, Indiana was the only state that did not accept federal funds. Governor Harold Handley believed that by accepting the funds, “Hoosiers would be brainwashed with books handpicked by the Washington bureaucrats.”[1] U.S. Representative John Brademas of Indiana vehemently disagreed. It was reported that Gov. Handley rejected approximately $700,000 to improve the library services.[1]

Overall, the LSA had a major positive impact on libraries throughout the rest of the country. And additional 5 million books and other informational and educational materials were secured for rural communities. Many libraries noted a 40% or more increase in book circulation as well, along with a 32% increase in interlibrary loans.[1]

Other accomplishments included 288 bookmobiles for rural communities and 800 new library staff members. Multitype and public library systems were being established due to the LSA as well. And when the Library Services and Construction Act became effective in 1964, the formation of regional and statewide library networks continued to grow.[3]

The LSA was set to expire in 1961, but plans were already in motion to prolong the act. On May 26, 1960, the Senate passed a five-year extension without a single opposing vote.

Only a few years later, the Library Services and Construction Act would be introduced replacing the Library Services Act.[1]

References
  1. Fry, J. W. (1975). "LSA and LSCA, 1956-1973: A Legislative History" (PDF). Library Trends. 24 (1): 7–26. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  2. Fyan, Loleta D. (1957). "Progress and Policies under the Library Services Act". The Library Quarterly. 27 (4): 235–248. JSTOR 4304683.
  3. Farrell, M. (29 June 2012). "A Brief History of National Support for Libraries in the United States [Sessions paper]" (PDF). IFLA World Library and Information Congress. 78th International Federation of Library Associations General Conference and Assembly. IFLA 2012 Helsinki. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
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