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2000 BCE
One of the first Libraries found in Elba syria
An archaeological ruin in Syria, dating back to about 2,000 BCE. Over 15,000 tablets were uncovered. -
814 BCE
Monotheistic libraries were established
Churches began to keep records of historical events and marriage documents -
283 BCE
The library of Alexandria was opened
the biggest collection of public knowledge to this date. Unfortunately the Library of Alexandria was burned during the fall of the Roman empire and many of the texts inside were destroyed. -
48 BCE
The Library of Alexandria is destroyed
Julius Caesar accidently led an attack on the library during the Roman civil war -
Period: 1200 to 1300
Libraries began using catalogs
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1300
University Libraries
Colleges such as Oxford and Harvard started collecting large amounts of books for research purposes -
Period: to
Commercial libraries rose to popularity
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Massachusetts becomes first state to have mandatory education
Massachusetts government passes a law requiring all boys to go to school -
The first American Librarian is hired
Benjamin Franklin opens the library company of philadelphia and hires America's first Librarian to maintain care of the book -
Libraries opened up to the public
before the 1800's only the wealthy were allowed to enter libraries and check out books -
The Andrew Carnegie association finds that Librarians must require a college degree
the Carnegie Corporation funded a major study. The Williamson Report (named after economist Charles Williamson) urged that professional education be reformulated and become university based. Librarianship must require a college degree, like other professions. A Ph.D. in library science should be developed to raise academic credentials and promote research in the field. -
the great depression hits and the new deal is created
The depression forces libraries to slash budgets in spite of rising use. The new Deal allots federal money to rebuild and replenish libraries. -
AlA adopts Library bill of rights
The Library bill of rights is adopted to protect the availability of all information -
Congress passes Library Services Act to expand library services in rural areas
libraries are opened in low income areas -
Library of Congress develops machine-readable cataloging (MARC)
MARC allows for books to be cataloged to prevent loss or theft -
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs Library Services and Construction Act
expands federal aid for public library construction and school library improvements
