History of Libraries

First Union Catalog

Feb 6, 1200

Monasteries at this time were beginning to set up a system that allows them to exchange books to other Monasteries. This was called an interlibrary loan system. Monks were allowed one book a year to read and contemplate.

University Libraries

Mar 7, 1300

As early as 1300 libraries begin to advance to adopting more information literacy as in books on religion, science, law, and medicine in order to accomodate the students learning. The libraries were very small and almost all of the books were connected to a chain on the bookshelf so that the students had to stand and get there information.

Checking Out

Apr 11, 1644

As soon as the development of printing arised, many books began to be copied and libraries expanded. Gabriel Naude publised literature on collection development and devised the very simple process of checking out books. The wealthy generally benefited mostly from this system, but the civil rights activist urged more liberaty to all people and that everyone should have access to books.

Redwood Library

Feb 28, 1750

The Redwood Library was established by 46 wealthy Quakers whose intent was to expand useful learning for all people. What is awesome about the library is that it's still in use today and that 90 percent of its original book collection still remains. Another interesting fact about the Redwood Library is that it wasn't a public library. It was only open for a couple hours during one day of the week for check-out and other than that it was known as a "library company."

A Boom in Social Libraries

May 19, 1850

This is such a neat part of history because during this time nearly 1200 social libraries were built. After the Industrial Revolution, the desire to create a more social, yet intellictual place for the public to reside really boosted demographic changes. Several associations with their members were now able to host events here and discuss whatever issues or topics needed.

Boston Public Library

Nov 29, 1854

This is great in history because this library was the first modern day library that all people could really go to for education. This type of philosophy was created by William Poole who wanted a more laid back approach on libraries where not just scholars can go to the library, but that the average person could have an opportunity to learn. This is great because we still use this exact system today.

Dewey!

Dec 6, 1885

Melvil Dewey was hired as an offficial head librarian at Columbia University to reorganize the shelving. This is prominate in history because this started the Dewey System that we use today.

Bill of Rights

May 26, 1939

ALA adopts “Library Bill of Rights” amid censorship battles over The Grapes of Wrath. YThey establish a Committee on Intellectual Freedom one year later.

Library of Congress

Mar 26, 1990

Library of Congress launches American Memory project to make audio and visual materials accessible electronically and National Digital Library.

First Cataloging

Mar 2, 2022

Monasteries were created in the 800's to enhance Western Civilization and allow the Monks to copy sacred Christian texts. This was also around the same time where libraries became large enough for the librarians to catalog the literature.