91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - Throughout the month of March, the 91´«Ã½'s (91´«Ã½) Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL) will recognize and celebrate women's historic achievements with National Women's History Month. The observance also provides an opportunity to honor women within our families and communities.



National Women's History Month traces its origins back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women's Day was later observed in 1909. In 1981, the U. S. Congress designated the second week of March National Women's History Week, and in 1987 Congress expanded it to a month-long observance.

COSWL was established by the 91´«Ã½ Council on July 23, 1976, to officially represent the diversity of women's interests within 91´«Ã½ and to ensure that the Association considers the rights of the majority (women) in the library field.



Over the years COSWL has helped develop evaluative tools, guidelines and programs in cooperation with other 91´«Ã½ units to enhance opportunities and the image of women in the library profession. In 2008 the committee created the , which highlights news and items of interest related to women's issues. COSWL is also on Facebook and Twitter. Other groups within the 91´«Ã½ that represent women's issues include the and the .



For additional information on National Women's History Month, please visit the National Women's History Project at . For more information on COSWL, visit .