The Independent Booking Office, a non-profit organization, sponsored by The League of New York Theatres, Inc. and the Committee of Theatrical Producers, became operative January 31, 1957. Located in New York City, IBO's purpose was to work toward the overall improvement of conditions for touring road shows.

Acting as a middleman between touring attractions and producers, IBO arranged proper publicity, expanded touring boundaries to include communities deprived of the theatre, and worked with local theater managers to accommodate the productions. In 1985, the IBO ceased operation due to increasing costs and declining need for its services.

A large part of this collection includes records of IBO's sponsor, The League of New York Theatres, Inc. Formed in 1930, and later known as The League of New York Theatres and Producers, Inc. and The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., it is the national trade association for the commercial theater industry. The League's members include the individuals and organizations that produce, present and promote Broadway shows in New York and more than 140 cities from coast to coast and Canada. On behalf of its members, the League negotiates collective bargaining agreements with all theatrical unions and guilds, and represents Broadway in Washington, Albany, and at New York's City Hall. It also serves to stimulate greater awareness of Broadway to the public by creating marketing and sponsorship initiatives, accessible ticketing information and points of purchase, audience development programs, government relations for the industry, and by supporting charitable efforts for the benefit of the entire theatrical community.