International Special Librarians Day (April 13) History, Activities, and Fun Facts

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Learn about the history and significance of International Special Librarians Day, discover some of the activities associated with the day, and explore some fun facts about librarians that you may not have known.

Join us as we celebrate the contributions of special librarians and the important role they play in supporting research, innovation, and learning.

International Special Librarians Day is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions made by special librarians. These are librarians who work in specialized libraries that serve a particular organization, group, or industry, such as law firms, medical facilities, museums, and government agencies. International Special Librarians Day is typically observed on the second Tuesday in April each year, and it provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the important role that special librarians play in supporting research, innovation, and learning in their respective fields. The day also highlights the skills, expertise, and dedication of special librarians who work behind the scenes to provide customized information services and resources to their users.

History of International Special Librarians Day

International Special Librarians Day was first celebrated in 1991, and it has since become an annual event observed on the second Tuesday in April each year. The day was established by the Special Libraries Association (SLA), an international organization that represents the interests of special librarians and information professionals.

The goal of creating this day was to recognize and celebrate the contributions of special librarians, who work in diverse settings and play a critical role in supporting the needs of their organizations, businesses, and communities. The day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the important role that special librarians play in supporting research, innovation, and learning in their respective fields.

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Over the years, International Special Librarians Day has grown in popularity and visibility, and it has become an occasion for special librarians around the world to come together, network, and share best practices. The day is celebrated with various activities, such as seminars, workshops, webinars, social media campaigns, and other events that highlight the work of special librarians and their impact on their organizations and communities.

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International Special Librarians Day Activities

International Special Librarians Day is celebrated in different ways by different organizations and individuals around the world. Here are some activities that are typically associated with this day:

  1. Networking events: International Special Librarians Day provides an opportunity for special librarians to connect with their colleagues and peers, share best practices, and learn about new trends and developments in the field. Networking events can take the form of virtual or in-person meetings, conferences, or seminars.
  2. Workshops and training sessions: Many organizations use this day to offer workshops and training sessions to help special librarians develop new skills, learn about new tools and technologies, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in their field.
  3. Social media campaigns: International Special Librarians Day is often promoted on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Special librarians and organizations use these platforms to share information about their work, highlight the value of special libraries, and connect with others in the field.
  4. Open houses and tours: Some special libraries hold open houses or offer tours to the public on International Special Librarians Day. This can be a great way to showcase the resources and services that special libraries provide, and to raise awareness about their importance in supporting research, innovation, and learning.
  5. Awards and recognition: International Special Librarians Day is also an occasion to recognize and celebrate the contributions of special librarians. Some organizations use this day to present awards, such as the SLA’s annual “Special Librarian of the Year” award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the field.

Why We Love and Celebrate International Special Librarians Day

International Special Librarians Day is an important occasion to celebrate the contributions of special librarians and to raise awareness about the value of special libraries. Here are some reasons why we love and celebrate this day:

  1. Special librarians play a critical role in supporting research, innovation, and learning in their respective fields. They provide customized information services and resources to their users, and they help organizations stay competitive and up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in their industries.
  2. Special libraries are often specialized and focused on specific subject areas or industries, which allows them to provide targeted and specialized services to their users. This can be particularly valuable for researchers, students, and professionals who need access to specialized information that is not widely available.
  3. Special libraries often have unique and specialized collections that are not available in public or academic libraries. These collections can include rare books, archives, and other materials that are valuable for research and scholarship.
  4. International Special Librarians Day provides an opportunity for special librarians to connect with their colleagues and peers, share best practices, and learn about new trends and developments in the field. This can help special librarians stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies, and it can also help them build a strong professional network.
  5. Finally, International Special Librarians Day is a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of special librarians. Special librarians often work behind the scenes, but their contributions are critical to the success of their organizations and communities. This day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for all that they do.

Interesting Fun Facts About Librarians

here are some interesting fun facts about librarians:

  1. The oldest known library dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 2600 BC.
  2. The Library of Alexandria in Egypt was one of the largest and most famous libraries of the ancient world, with an estimated 700,000 books and manuscripts.
  3. The word “librarian” comes from the Latin word “liber”, which means “book”.
  4. The first library card catalog was created by Melvil Dewey in 1876.
  5. The first bookmobile was introduced in the United States in 1905.
  6. In 1930, the American Library Association adopted the Library Bill of Rights, which affirms the principles of intellectual freedom and the right of individuals to access information.
  7. The Dewey Decimal Classification system, which is used in many libraries to organize books and other materials, was created by Melvil Dewey in 1876.
  8. Many famous authors, including Jorge Luis Borges, Umberto Eco, and Neil Gaiman, have worked as librarians at some point in their careers.
  9. The Library of Congress in the United States is the largest library in the world, with over 170 million items in its collection.
  10. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 90% of Americans say that libraries are important to their communities, and 76% say that libraries are important to them and their families.

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