NCNLA and NCLA Merger: A History of Integration in North Carolina Librarianship
The journey toward professional integration for librarians in North Carolina was a complex process involving two distinct organizations: the North Carolina Library Association (NCLA) and the North Carolina Negro Library Association (NCNLA). The eventual merger of these two bodies marked a significant shift in the state's professional landscape, driven by both internal efforts and external mandates from national governing bodies.
The Path to Unification
Conversations regarding a potential merger began as early as 1948. By March 11, 1950, a joint committee consisting of members from both the NCLA and NCNLA held its first official meeting to discuss the unification of the two organizations. This collaborative spirit was further evidenced on April 26–27, 1951, when members of the NCNLA were invited to the NCLA annual meeting, an event attended by over 85 black librarians.
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The Role of the American Library Association
The momentum toward integration was accelerated by the American Library Association (ALA), the primary professional organization for librarians in the United States. The ALA established a policy allowing only one library association chapter per state, with the strict requirement that any such state chapter must be integrated.
In response to these requirements, the NCLA held a vote in 1954 to admit black members. The motion passed with 255 votes in favor and 107 against. Following this decision, the NCNLA voted to accept the recommendations of the Committee on Redesignation during their annual meeting on November 5–6, 1954, a process guided by Constance Hill Marteena.
The Final Merger and Its Aftermath
The two associations officially merged in 1955. The NCNLA held its final official meeting as an independent entity on November 4–5, 1955, in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the structural merger was complete, the path to equitable leadership remained long.
It was not until 1975 that the NCLA elected its first black president, Dr. Annette Phinazee. Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Phinazee noted that in other states, the integration process typically saw the black president of the merging association succeed the white president of the larger association immediately. She remarked that her presidency was "20 years late," emphasizing that the leadership role should have first gone to those who had struggled against obstacles unknown to the white members of the NCLA.
Key Facts
- Initial Talks: Merger discussions began in 1948.
- First Joint Meeting: Held on March 11, 1950.
- ALA Mandate: Required state chapters to be integrated and limited to one per state.
- NCLA Integration Vote: Passed in 1954 with 255 yeses and 107 nos.
- Official Merger: Completed in 1955.
- First Black NCLA President: Dr. Annette Phinazee, elected in 1975.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Initial merger talks begin |
| 1950 | First joint committee meeting (March 11) |
| 1951 | Over 85 black librarians attend NCLA annual meeting |
| 1954 | NCLA votes to admit black members; NCNLA accepts redesignation |
| 1955 | Official merger of NCNLA and NCLA |
| 1975 | Dr. Annette Phinazee elected as first black NCLA president |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the NCNLA and NCLA merge?
The merger was the result of long-term discussions starting in 1948 and was ultimately necessitated by the American Library Association's policy that only one, integrated state chapter be permitted per state.
Who guided the NCNLA through the redesignation process?
Constance Hill Marteena provided guidance during the NCNLA's annual meeting in November 1954 when the association voted on the Committee on Redesignation's recommendations.
When did the NCNLA hold its last independent meeting?
The NCNLA held its final official meeting as an independent group on November 4–5, 1955, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who was the first black president of the NCLA?
Dr. Annette Phinazee became the first black president of the NCLA in 1975.
What was Dr. Annette Phinazee's perspective on her presidency?
Dr. Phinazee believed her presidency came 20 years too late, noting that in other states, black leaders typically assumed the presidency of merged associations much sooner after integration.