Historical Dictionary of Librarianship
By (author) Mary Ellen Quinn
Publication date:
08 May 2014Length of book:
364 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersDimensions:
236x162mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780810878075
Although the history of librarianship as an organized profession dates only as far back as the mid-nineteenth century, the history of libraries is much older, and people have been engaged in pursuits that we recognize as librarianship for many thousands of years. This book traces librarianship from its origins in ancient times through its development in response to the need to control the flood of information in the modern world to the profound transformations brought about by the new technologies of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
The Historical Dictionary of Librarianship focuses on librarianship as a modern, organized profession, emphasizing the period beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. Author Mary Ellen Quinn relates the history of this profession through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, libraries around the world, and notable organizations and associations. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about librarianship.
The Historical Dictionary of Librarianship focuses on librarianship as a modern, organized profession, emphasizing the period beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. Author Mary Ellen Quinn relates the history of this profession through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, libraries around the world, and notable organizations and associations. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about librarianship.
Librarianship is a young profession, but libraries have been part of human civilization for centuries. Quinn fills a gap in the library literature with this historical dictionary. Included are an excellent introduction on world libraries and librarianship covering ancient, medieval, and modern times; a chronology of major events from 2700 BCE to the present; and a list of abbreviations and acronyms. This dictionary of library history includes entries on major events related to libraries and librarianship; biographies of well-known leaders in the field from many countries; and information on library associations and organizations worldwide. The emphasis is on the modern era of librarianship from the mid 19th century to the present in Anglo-American countries. Featuring 300-plus entries, with cross-references, this dictionary also includes an excellent selective bibliography organized by reference resources, historical resources, and subject headings ranging from ‘Academic Libraries’ to ‘Young Adult Librarianship.’ Appendixes include a list of all US and Canadian library schools from 1925 forward, and information on librarians, libraries, and library schools in other countries of the world, as of 2007. Overall, this is an excellent reference tool and research guide for librarians, library educators, students, and scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All library schools and libraries; graduate students through professionals.