Black Caucus of the American Library Association

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association will explore the current state of Black History Month (BHM) programming offered at public libraries to identify gaps and opportunities for improved national programming. While virtually every public library across the U.S. conducts some program during BHM, there has never been a systematic study to assess the content, scope, target age groups, and focus of that programming. This planning grant will bring together partners from key American Library Association Divisions and Offices, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the University of Michigan's Program for Research on Black Americans, and other experts in the field to explore and catalogue current BHM programming. It will result in: 1. a comprehensive literature review, 2. a taxonomy of BHM programming, 3. a sampling plan, and 4. a draft framework for a future national research study.