The Philadelphia Chapter of the Special Libraries Association began as a local library organization, the Special Libraries Council of Philadelphia and Vicinity, which was founded in 1919. It promoted the collection, organization, and dissemination of information to executives, research directors, and employees of industrial firms. It also developed the use of pertinent facts and technical materials in the operation of all types of business. In 2009 the chapter will celebrate its 90th anniversary.
In 1933 the Council affiliated with the Special Libraries Association and became the Philadelphia Chapter. At that time the Special Libraries Association was an international organization of 5,000 special librarians. Its membership was composed of librarians and research workers who were actively engaged in the administration and interpretation of technical information in advertising and financial companies; in industrial firms manufacturing diverse products such as chemicals, electrical machinery, food, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, radios, steel, and textiles; and in governmental, educational, and social welfare institutions.
The Council had special interest groups within its membership such as the Science-Technology Group and the Social Science Group. These groups developed specific projects for the improvement of libraries and research organizations.
The chapter has operated an Employment service since 1930 and currently posts job advertisements for special librarians in the Delaware Valley area.
The Bulletin, the chapter newsletter, was published from vol. 1, 1934 - vol. 70, 2005. It contained news of interest to special librarians.
The chapter published the Directory of Libraries and Information Sources/Centers in the Philadelphia Area and Vicinity from 1920-1999 in paper format. From 2004-2007 the Directory was produced online. It was discontinued in 2007 when the Chapter determined that information about local libraries could be found easily through other Internet resources.
The Beverly M. Knower Fund is a special fund established by the chapter in 1979 to support and encourage student members to explore special libraries and the information profession. Knower awards subsidize conference and event attendance, student memberships and research programs that promote SLA.
Internet links to the chapter include the chapter listserv and the chapter website, both established in the late 1990s and the chapter blog, established in 2007.
In 2008 the Philadelphia Chapter merged with the Central Pennsylvania Chapter under the name of the Philadelphia Chapter. Regular chapter meetings are held from September to May in special library facilities or restaurants. The programs consist of panel discussions, featured speakers, practical demonstrations of technology, and social occasions.
The archives of the organization have been housed at Friends Hospital, QVC (1994-2004), and Drexel University (2005-present).
Marjorie Smink
April 17, 2009
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