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Peter G. Rattray Collection: Home

Peter G. Rattray Collection

Call Number: Mss Sc 75, Tc 44, Pc 60, Pc 61 (A.81-25)

Title: Manitoba Libraries Association fonds.

Dates: 1973-1976.

Extent: 0.01 m of textual records and other material.

Administrative history: In 1975, the Manitoba Libraries Association (MLA) began a grassroots campaign to increase library funding in the province. This campaign, entitled "Libraries in Crisis", was begun in response to the provincial government's cancellation of The Parkland Regional Pilot Project in Dauphin, an initiative that would have improved library services in Dauphin. The MLA sought to publicize the provincial government's neglect of public libraries, especially in rural Manitoba. The campaign utilized political lobbying and newspaper advertisements to publicize their position. Organizers believed "Libraries in Crisis" to be a qualified success as it raised public awareness of library funding in the province but that due to its small number of participants lacked the sustained pressure to enable systemic change in the province's library system.

Custodial history: The fonds was donated to University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections in 1981 by the Manitoba Libraries Association via University of Manitoba reference librarian, Daniel Phelan. This fonds was originally titled "Libraries in Crisis."  Its present title was adopted in March 2002 to reflect the provenance of the fonds.

Scope and content: The fonds consists of documents surrounding the Manitoba Libraries Association's (MLA) campaign to increase library funding in the province. The fonds includes MLA minutes, personal letters, association letters, and newspaper clippings. The tape collection (TC 44) consists of 1 audio cassette. The photograph collection consists of 16 photographs (PC 60) and 32 slides (PC 61).

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this material.

Finding aid: Printed finding aids are available in the Archives reading room for PC 60 and PC 61.