Product Description
This book examines the African American struggle for access to public libraries in the South, bringing together and examining the three distinct fields involved–Southern Studies, African American Studies, and Library Studies–to inform the historical survey…. More >>
The History of Public Library Access for African Americans in the South: Or, Leaving Behind the Plow
Tags: Access, African, african american struggle, african americans, Americans, Behind, distinct fields, History, Leaving, Library, library studies, Plow, Public, public libraries, public library, South
This is a really wonderful book to read! The author did a very thorough job of researching and presenting the history of library services during the pre-Civil Rights era in the South, with his decade by decade analysis of events and happenings during this period. I like how each chapter concludes with a bibliography of resources for further reading. Overall, this book has inspired me to continue to grow as a librarian of color and has made me more appreciative of what librarians and patrons went through to ensure equal access to library services and library employment for people no matter what their color or race. Librarians and those with an interest in African American history would be wise to add this book to their reading list.
Rating: 5 / 5
DESCRIPTION
The story of the long struggle of African Americans to attain civil rights, particularly in the South, is well documented. The story of the public library movement in America is also well documented. However, the story of the African American struggle for access to public libraries in the South is not as well documented, with much of what has been written previously told in piecemeal fashion in short studies or confined to a particular southern state.
The History of Public Library Access for African Americans in the South: Or, Leaving Behind the Plow examines this subject in the context of the South as a cohesive region. It brings together and examines the three distinct fields involved in this history: Southern Studies, African American Studies, and Library Studies. How these three fields interact and influence one another inform the history of public library access for African Americans in the South.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David M. Battles is the author of Making Her Own Place: 14 Fascinating Articles and Essays on Dottie Rambo and Her Contribution to Gospel Music.
Rating: 5 / 5
the author deserves applaud in tackling a subject that is unique yet rich in tradition. The African Americans of the south are the poorest of the poor, their resources are limited and efforts at brining them in the mainstream such as this document are certainly prized again my hats off for a well written and long awaited document
Rating: 5 / 5