International Visual Literacy Association Records 1969-2001; MSS-181

International Visual Literacy Association Records 1969-2001; MSS-181

This collection houses a variety of materials documenting the International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA) between 1969 and 2001.

Historical Note:
The International Visual Literacy Association began in the fall of 1968 when a group of people interested in various aspects of visuals in education and communication met to plan a conference on visual literacy. This group, which was co-chaired by Jack Debes of Kodak and Clarence Williams of the University of Rochester, included Sam Ross, Colin Turbayne, Paul Wendt, and Richard Nibeck. In March of 1969 about 350 people from many disciplines gathered in Rochester to present papers and discuss their theories and applications of visuals. The conference was very successful and the attendees decided to make it an annual event.

Today, IVLA is an eclectic organization of professionals working toward a fuller understanding of the way we derive meaning from what we see and the way we interact with our visual environment. Members represent a wide range of disciplines including the arts, sciences, communication theory, semiotics, graphic design, photography, videography, media studies, architecture, business, education, educational technology, instructional design, health, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, cultural anthropology, brain research, and computer applications.

Scope and Content Note:
The International Visual Literacy Association Records are divided into six series. The original order of all correspondence and governance materials has been retained.

Series I: Conferences houses papers, conference programs, educational materials, and handouts from IVLA conferences dating from the organization’s first meeting in 1969. Also included is correspondence showing conferences, conference attendance, and costs of the conferences.

Series II: Correspondence is divided into two parts. The first section contains official business correspondence arranged chronologically. The second section is arranged alphabetically by the name of the IVLA member who donated the letters. These individuals include Lida Cochran, Dennis Pett, Ron Polito, Sam Ross, Richard Ingalls, and Alice Walker.

Series III: Governance is divided into four sub-series. Sub-Series A: Board of Directors houses meeting minutes, bylaws, and other official documents. Sub-Series B: Committees contains the working papers of various IVLA committees. Sub-Series C: Financial is composed of treasurer’s reports, receipts, and expense reports. Sub-Series D: Membership includes individual member information, membership processes, and membership lists.

Series IV: Printed Material houses a number of original manuscripts, book galleys, and newsletters produced in association with IVLA.

Series V: Research and Education contains research papers and educational materials on the topics of Visual Literacy and IVLA. These materials date from the late 1950s to the late 1990s. Also included are bibliographies and syllabi from classes produced by IVLA and other visual literacy organizations.

Series VI: Video and Audio Recordings includes several video and audio tapes. The videotapes provide information on obtaining visual literacy grants and different educational techniques. Also included is a videotape entitled “A Silver Anniversary Look Back at Visual Literacy” documenting the discipline’s history. The audiotapes discuss emerging technologies in education and distance learning.