FAQ

What is the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation?

The LABF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the past, reflecting the present and informing the future. Above all, it supports the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland, the nation’s most extensive collection of broadcast history, policy and tradition, including historical documents, professional papers, oral and video histories, books, scripts. recordings and photographs. It raises funds for the LAB, promotes its use, seeks new collections and advises its administrators. Click here for more on the library.

So, the LABF is separate from the LAB?

Yes. The LABF raises money and otherwise supports the LAB at the University of Maryland, which owns and runs the actual library.

Other than supporting the LAB, what else does the LABF do?

The LABF produces the annual Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards, held at Gotham Hall in New York City. The event pays tribute to individuals who have blazed trails and led the television and radio industry. Over the years, it has honored 262 such individuals.

In association with the Broadcast Education Association, the LABF awards grants to educators for books and documentaries about the history of broadcasting and the other electronic media. Here are the most recent recipients.

In 2022, the foundation presented its first Insight Award to actor and TV personality LaVar Burton. The annual award, presented at the convention of the National Association of Broadcasters, recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, operation, history or impact of media in our society.

In 2023, the LABF presented its inaugural Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award. It recognizes outstanding dedication and commitment by an individual or company to preserving broadcast history.

Who serves on the LABF board?

The board comprises leaders in the broadcasting and associated fields. Click here to see who they are.

Why is the library housed at the University of Maryland?

The LAB was founded as the Broadcast Pioneers Library in 1972, and was originally housed at the headquarters of the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington.

The collection was the brainchild of William S. Hedges, a retired NBC executive, who created the Broadcasting Pioneers History Project in 1964 and began collecting historical materials related to broadcast history in the United States.

The library expanded rapidly for 20 years, but as space and funding became increasingly scarce, the library's governing board decided to seek another setting for the collection.

In October 1994, the board donated its collections to the University of Maryland, which established the LAB within the Hornbake Library on its College Park campus.

How is the library used?

In a variety of ways, ranging from media outlets checking facts and academic scholars accessing volumes and papers to movie producers in need of photos and background information.

Can anyone from the public or the media industry go to the library and make use of its resources?

Yes. For more visiting the library, click here.

How do I make a donation to the LABF?

By clicking here or by contacting Harry Jessell at hajessell@gmail.com or 201-213-2523.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Absolutely.