Knowledge is power, and libraries have long been an important resource that makes knowledge accessible to communities. In the US, the American Library Association represents the interests of libraries and librarians throughout the country. But the ALA also works with various affiliate organizations that serve specific communities. One such organization is the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, which has served African American communities for over 50 years.
What is the Black Caucus of the American Library Association?
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for library services and resources for African American communities. They also provide professional development and support for Black librarians and rising library professionals. Founded in 1970 at the ALA Midwinter Meeting, BCALA became an official affiliate of the American Library Association in 1992. They are one of five member organizations that make up the National Association of Librarians of Color Councilors (NALco).
Prior to BCALA’s creation, Black librarians and library patrons had long faced racial prejudice. Many libraries historically participated in Jim Crow segregation, and the ALA largely failed to acknowledge or address the needs of Black librarians and library professionals. Even after segregation ended with the Civil Rights Movement, Black librarians still faced workplace discrimination and a lack of leadership opportunities. Having gathered to discuss their concerns at various ALA conferences, Black librarians decided they needed to create an organization that fulfilled their needs.
BCALA’s first chairperson, activist Dr. E.J. Josey, had long advocated for Black librarians. In 1964, he drafted a resolution barring library chapters in the South from ALA membership if they refused membership to Black librarians. Josey was instrumental in founding BCALA and recruiting council members. He eventually became the second Black president of the ALA itself in 1984.
Another important founding member was children’s librarian Effie Lee Morris, who blazed many trails throughout her career. As San Francisco Public Library coordinator of children’s services, she curated a research collection of outdated and out-of-print children’s books. The Effie Lee Morris Historical and Research Collection serves as a record of the changing depictions of marginalized ethnic and racial groups over time. Morris also helped establish and oversee the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, which recognize children’s and young adult books that highlight the African American experience. She spearheaded the initial meetings that formed the genesis of BCALA.
What Do They Do?
BCALA works to amplify Black voices, both in the library professional sphere and in the communities it serves. The organization monitors the ALA and other library associations to ensure they recognize and respond to the needs of Black librarians. This includes holding those associations accountable for addressing racism within their ranks and practices. One of BCALA’s early goals was to submit a resolution to the ALA reprimanding librarians and libraries that provided services to private segregated schools.
On the ground, BCALA helps provide Black librarians and rising library professionals with the tools they need to advance their careers. They also promote access to information about Black history, culture, and people through curated reading lists, toolkits, and recorded panel discussions for educators. Recently, through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, BCALA has begun research into the current state of Black History Month programming at libraries nationwide.
What Resources Do They Offer?
BCALA offers several scholarships and awards recognizing Black library professionals and authors. The Dr. E.J. Josey and Effie Lee Morris Scholarships award financial grants to support African American students pursuing careers in library and information services (LIS). BCALA student members are also eligible for the Sage and the Joint Council of Librarians of Color Inc. scholarship.
The organization also honors African American authors through their annual literary awards for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and outstanding contributions to publishing. Other awards recognize support staff and librarians who have made significant contributions toward advancing African American representation in the library profession. The highest honor BCALA offers is the Trailblazer’s Award, presented every five years to an individual who is considered a pioneer in the field.
BCALA hosts the National Conference of African American Librarians (NCAAL), the largest conference for African American LIS professionals. In addition to featuring educational and networking opportunities, the NCAAL also spotlights the rich history and culture of its host city and is open to non-members. In 2022, BCALA helped launch iBlackCaucus, a virtual organization for Black graduate students in LIS.
On June 27, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association will celebrate their 55th anniversary at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Though much has changed since its conception, information access, library funding, and racial equality are more crucial — and more threatened — than ever. As such, BCALA continues to be a vital resource for African American librarians and communities. You can follow their activities on their website, Instagram, X, and Facebook.
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