FORWARD - History of MASL 1952-60 and a Fifteen Year Index 1951-66

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan

FORWARD published by the Michigan Association of School Librarians (MASL) presents a fifteen-year retrospective and reference index. The foreword closes the publication’s first fifteen years and recounts its evolution from an early newsletter format beginning in 1951, through the emergence and editorial development of FORWARD. It summarizes MASL’s institutional growth, including affiliation planning and the 1958 merger with the Michigan Education Association, highlighting benefits such as financial support, representation, counsel, and publication announcements. The issue also acknowledges the creation of the needed index and thanks contributors.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

MASLFrom 1952 to 1960

MASL growth and affiliation discussions

Merger with the Michigan Education Association (1958)

Purpose and planning of meetings

Index preparation and acknowledgments

FORWARD WITH THE MICHIGAN ASSOCIATIONOF SCHOOL LIBRARIANS Featuring -History of MASL 1952-60and a Fifteen Year Index 1951-66 FORWARD Published by the Michigan Association of School Librarians A department of the Michigan Education Association Editor Charles PartridgeMackenzie High School,Detroit Editorial Board Pearl JacobsteinBloomfield Hills High SchoolBloomfield Hills Elvera PhillipsCarman SchoolDistrict Aaron SchmalbergUniversity of MichiganAnn Arbor Volume XV From the PresidentMarian McCrady Dear MASL Members, This issue of FORWARD brings to a close its first fifteen years.As we look backward,we the members of MASL may be very proudof these years. The first issue which appeared in March of 1951 was entitled NEWSBULLETIN of THE MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS LI-BRARIANS. Its format and its purpose was that of our NEWS-LETTER. This issue was circulated to all members—a little overone hundred.This same type of publication came out again in Aprilof 1952. In February of 1953 FORWARD appeared.We are indebted toHelen Campbell of Royal Oak for this name.Perhaps it is a case of"a rose by any other name",but we,as members,have felt that thename has expressed the editorial policy-FORWARD. Under the leadership of its editors,first Margaret Robinson,thenJohn Rowell,and for the last five years -Charles Partridge,FOR-WARD has become a professional magazine ofhigh caliber.Its articleshave kept the members abreast and ahead of developments in theschool library field in Michigan. This issue of FORWARD will be sent to the one thousand plusmembers of MASL. It will,also,go to library science departmentsof universities throughout the country. The history of FORWARD parallels the history of MASL.Fromits early,small beginnings it has become an organization of statureand importance. For MASL as for FORWARD,this growth is dueto the dedicated efforts of its members. It is fitting that this,its fifteenth anniversary issue,should containthe INDEX which has been needed for a long time.Many requestshave been made that FORWARD be indexed and we extend our sincer-est thanks to those who spent long hours making this possible. As for myself,I would like to take this opportunity to say ThankYou for the splendid cooperation I have received during this pastyear.If room permitted,I would list individually the board members,committee chairmen,members of committees and those who representedMASL at so many other functions.These people have labored longand diligently to help MASL become stronger and more prominent.It has been a busy,challenging,and satisfying year.Thank you forletting me be your president. Sincerely,Marian McCrady # MASLFrom 1952 to 1960 By Theodosia ConklinHistorian From the Fall of 1952 through the Spring of 1960 the MichiganAssociation of School Librarians made great strides towards becominga truly great and proud organization in the educational field.Thiswas accomplished by the combined efforts of many fine people whogave unstintingly of themselves and of their time to solving the prob-lems of a growing professional association. Over the years MASL had been invited to affiliate with ALA,MLA,AASL and many serious discussions were held on the subject.In theend it was felt that as educators it was most fitting that the Associationaffiliate with the Michigan Education Association,theoldest professionalorganization in Michigan.This step was approved by the membersat the Spring business meeting in 1958,making MASL the 26th Depart-ment of MEA.Much of the credit for this move was due to BlancheBlashill and the Professional Relations Committee,Charlotte Coye,AvisCarey,Lois Place,Josephine Smith,and Kenneth Vance. "Specific advantages accruing from this merger include:MEA Headquarter's services,financial support,represen-tation in the Assembly,participation in the coordinatingconference,legislative representation,professional andlegalcounseling,representation on policy-making committees

FAQs

What does this issue of FORWARD focus on?

It provides a fifteen-year retrospective for FORWARD and includes a Fifteen Year Index covering 1951-66, along with a history of MASL from 1952 to 1960.

How did FORWARD begin and develop during its first years?

It first appeared as a newsletter-like publication in March 1951 and continued in similar forms through subsequent years before becoming a professional magazine with guidance from multiple editors.

What key milestone occurred for MASL in 1958?

MASL’s members approved affiliation with the Michigan Education Association, making MASL the 26th department of MEA and providing benefits such as services, financial support, representation, and legal/professional counseling.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan