The International Library of African Music

Abstract

The International Library of African Music (I. L. A. M. ) came into being in 1953 as a direct outcome of the preliminary discoveries and research work of Hugh Tracey, its Director. Six years previously, in 1947, he had established the African Music Society, and it was considered essential that practical work on collecting the music of Africa should be undertaken by a properly constituted body. The International Library was, therefore, registered as a nonprofit organization and set up its headquarters 12 miles out side the city of Johannesburg in the buildings previously used by Mr. Tracey during his preparatory work to this end