The History of Libraries

By MarissaAnn
  • Universities begin to adopt libraries
    Sep 27, 1300

    Universities begin to adopt libraries

    As education became more abundant in the medieval period, universities began to adopt libraries. With the start of this, Libraries finally began to expand from monasteries.
  • The invention of printing makes books more of a public resource
    Sep 30, 1440

    The invention of printing makes books more of a public resource

    When printing was invented, books could then be mass produced much more easily. WIth this came a new outlook on the purpose of books. Texts could now be read and collected, rather than hidden from the public and considered sacred and rare.
  • Wealthy Quakers came together to donate land for a public library in Newport, Rhode Island

    Wealthy Quakers came together to donate land for a public library in Newport, Rhode Island

    During this time, libraries were beginning to be donated by groups of upper class men as a way of making resources availible to the less fortunate.
  • Middle-Class groups in America begin forming institutions of learning and libraries so that access to books is not only reserved for the wealthy

    Middle-Class groups in America begin forming institutions of learning and libraries so that access to books is not only reserved for the wealthy

    "Library Companies" were shared buildings among several wealthy shareholders. Middle-Class groups began to come together and create their own libraries as a movement to make access to texts more widely availible to the public.
  • Elizibeth Peabody's Circulating library is established

    Elizibeth Peabody's Circulating library is established

    The Peabody Circulating system allowed people to rent books-take them home when they gave some sort of collateral.
  • The City of Boston opens the first Modern Public Library

    The City of Boston opens the first Modern Public Library

    The first modern public the way we know them today is created! Modern aspects of this library includes the ability to check out books, and the fact that the library was open to ANYBODY in the public.
  • The History of American Librarianship becomes a profession

    The History of American Librarianship becomes a profession

    Along with credit as a profession, the American Library Association is created.
  • Melvil Dewey is made head Librarian at Columbia University

    Melvil Dewey is made head Librarian at Columbia University

    Melvil Dewey was the founder of the Dewey Decimal system, which is still used in libraries today. He implimented this newfound cataloging system at columbia, where he was also head librarian.
  • Andrew Carnegie gives fudning for 310 public libraries in America

    Andrew Carnegie gives fudning for 310 public libraries in America

    Andrew Carnegie was a philanthropist, who gave the the efforts of education in the community. He helped to fund many libraries in the hopes to share knowledge and availibility of resources.
  • The First Cataloging System is Introduced

    The First Cataloging System is Introduced

    A church director traveled to monasteries to share his system of cataloging books: if the collection grew to be too much for the librarian to remember, they were to make a booklet with the titles of every book in the library. This way they knew what they had, and how much of it.
  • Period: to

    The History of Libraries

    A church director traveled to monasteries to share his system of cataloging books: if the collection grew to be too much for the librarian to remember, they were to make a booklet with the title of every single book. This way they knew what they had, and how many.