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FG 155 (National Advisory Commission on Libraries) (White House Central Files: Subject Files)

Abstract

These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.

Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.

  • Linear measurement of materials:   1 in.
  • Number of pages:   2
Organizational Note

The National Advisory Commission on Libraries was established September 2, 1966, by Executive Order No. 11301. It was an ad hoc Presidential advisory committee which terminated following submission of a final report in 1967.

The Commission studied and appraised the role of libraries as resources for scholarly pursuits, as centers for dissemination of knowledge, and as components of the evolving national information systems. It also appraised policies, programs, and practices of public agencies, private institutions and organizations which have a bearing on the role and effective utilization of libraries, and appraised library funding to determine how available funds for construction and support can be more effectively utilized.

The fundamental recommendation of the Commission, on which other recommendations were based, was that it be declared national policy, enunciated by the President and enacted into law by the Congress. That the American people be provided with library and information services adequate to their needs, and that the federal government exercise leadership in assuring the provision of such services. Other recommendations included: establishing a National Commission on Libraries and Information Science, as a continuing federal planning agency; strengthening the role of the Library of Congress as the National Library of the United States; establishing a Federal Institute of Library and Information Science as a principal center for basic and applied research in all relevant areas; recognizing the critically important role the Office of Education currently plays in meeting needs for library services; and strengthening state library agencies to overcome deficiencies in fulfilling their current functions.

The Commission consisted of 19 members appointed by the President and knowledgeable in various aspects of the library and library service. Douglas M. Knight, President, Duke University served as Chairman of the Commission.

Scope and Content Note

Primary correspondents include White House staff Charles B. Wilkinson and Robert H. Finch. There are only two documents in this collection.

The terms "Executive" [Ex] and "General" [Gen] are used before the code FG 155 to identify the source of the materials within a specific file. The files designated [Ex] are communications between national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, members of Congress and other prominent people. Files designated [Gen] are communications between government officials and private citizens, institutions and other private interests.

Folder Title List

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