In 1962, ALA began a study on freedom of access to libraries:

• ALA Bulletin. “Progress in ALA Program Activities: Other Program Activities.” ALA Publishing, March 1962, pg. 239.
  “A proposed study on freedom of access to libraries has been approved and further funds are being sought to support it.”
• ALA Bulletin. “Current Foundation, Industry, and Government Grants, 1961-1962.” ALA Publishing, March 1962, pg. 242.
  “Access to Libraries Project (LAD)—H.W. Wilson Co., R.R. Bowker, Co., ALA .Funding: $14,000.”
• LAD: Library Administration Division

ALA Bulletin. Advertisement, page 704. ALA Publishing, September, 1963.

The advertisement announces the publishing of a new book from ALA Publishing entitled Access to Public Libraries. A Research Project: Prepared for the Library Administration Division, American Library Association by International Research Associates, Inc. This appears to be the outcome of the proposed study funded in March, 1962.

The included blurb in the advertisement reads: “This timely self-audit presents the facts for a better understanding of both the quiet progress and existing limitations on free and equal access to the resources and services of public libraries in the United States. Responses from 1,789 library systems to questionnaires supplemented personal interviews provide the basis from this report. Restrictions based on race are the focal point. However, other facets of limitation are also covered: curtailment of student use of public libraries; shortages of foreign language materials in areas of foreign population concentration; and regional variations of resources and standards in relation to ALA standards. Also presented are the results of an examination of the relationship of location and resources of branch libraries to socio-economic population characteristics in ten cities across the nation. There is also a study of previous surveys and other writings dealing with the library facilities and the question of segregation. 192 pages. Paperbound. Just published. $3.00.”

*Unable to find the exact publication date for the report.