Closing of Clark Atlanta University

Whereas the library science program at Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, was established in 1941 to produce African American librarians, as well as librarians who understand the importance of cultural diversity; and

Whereas over two thousand students representing all racial and ethnic backgrounds have since graduated from the Clark Atlanta University library science program and taken leadership roles in our profession; and

Whereas CAU SLIS historically has made this significant contribution to the practice of librarianship by providing diversity to the field and;

Whereas, Clark Atlanta University has moved to close the program; and

Whereas, the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) wishes to honor the legacy of Clark Atlanta University and its role in producing African American leaders in librarianship; and

Whereas, ALISE shares with members of the American Library Association a concern for and a commitment to the greater diversity of the library and information professions;

Therefore Be It Resolved that the programs represented by ALISE increase their efforts to recruit and retain students in an environment that respects and nurtures diversity, in their ALA-accredited master’s programs, through independent efforts and through cooperation with the ALA Office for Diversity, the Spectrum program, and other appropriate entities.

Rev. 12/17/04 lp

Submitted by:

Lorna Peterson, Buffalo

Loriene Roy, Texas-Austin

Louise Robbins, Wisconsin-Madison