This document discusses the history of feminism in libraries and archives. It outlines several organizations formed within the ALA to address issues of sexism, such as the Feminist Task Force and Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship. It also describes several notable archives that focus on women's history, including the Sophia Smith Collection, Schlesinger Library, and Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture. These archives house important primary sources from feminist movements as well as the papers and records of influential women.

1. Image: Playbill for The New Woman (1894) by Sydney Grundy. From
the Sally Fox Collection.
Feminism and Libraries

2. Feminism is, at its simplest, the belief
that women should have equal access to
the resources that are available to men.
Librarians have a unique opportunity
to recognize and support social
movements that attempt to level the
playing field for disadvantaged groups.

3. Feminism in the ALA
Feminist Task Force
--Founded in 1970 to address issues of sexism
in libraries and librarianship.
Committee on the Status of Women in
Librarianship
--Monitors issues of discrimination involving pay
and resources
Amelia Bloomer Project
--Recognizes children’s literature that challenges
gender stereotypes and promotes strong female
characters

4. ACRL Women's Studies Section
The mission:
"To discuss, promote, and support women's
studies collections and services in academic
and research libraries."
The WSS provides links to:
• Archives
• Collections
• Databases
• Related Organizations

5. Sophia Smith Collection
• Founded in 1942
• Collections include primary documents
from the Suffrage movement and women's
labor history through contemporary
feminist movements
• Digital collections and exhibits including the
Population and Reproductive Health Oral
History Project

6. Schlesinger Library
• Founded in 1943 with the donation of
Radcliffe alumna Maud Wood Park's
collection of Suffrage memorabilia
• Archives include the papers of Charlotte
Perkins Gilman and the records of NOW
• Culinary collection including the papers of
MFK Fisher and Julia Child and the
archives of Radcliffe, 1879-1999

7. Sallie Bingham Center for
Women's History and Culture
• Permanently endowed in 1993 as part of
Duke's Special Collections library
• Focus is on Southern women, girl culture,
church women, women authors and
publishers, women of color
• Zine collection created in 2000 featuring
over 4,000 zines mostly published from
1985 to 2005

8. Additional Resources
Radical Reference:
Answers for those who question authority
Revolting Librarians Redux:
Radical Librarians Speak Out
Progressive Librarians Guild