Enrichment
A History of the Public Library in the United States in the Twentieth Century
Published on 1. January 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
215 pages
978-0-8108-4754-5 (ISBN)
Description
Now in paperback! The concept of the American public library was born in the nineteenth century under the auspices of private citizens and small public organizations, and then grew through the nurturing of both the capitalist and democratic systems.
Enrichment provides an overview of the notable events and underlying trends that either furthered or deterred the growth of this beloved institution. The book is organized in a broad chronological order, dividing the twentieth century into six segments, from the first era up to World War I, and through the current decade leading to the turn of the next century. Within each segment there is a brief background summary of the main social, cultural, and political characteristics of the time. Then the broad thrust of library service in each period is reviewed, followed by more detailed examination of notable professional developments in the same years. A brief introduction provides a summary of the public library's development in the nineteenth century, and two figures included in the text will assist the reader in further understanding the details of this ever-growing agency.
Enrichment provides an overview of the notable events and underlying trends that either furthered or deterred the growth of this beloved institution. The book is organized in a broad chronological order, dividing the twentieth century into six segments, from the first era up to World War I, and through the current decade leading to the turn of the next century. Within each segment there is a brief background summary of the main social, cultural, and political characteristics of the time. Then the broad thrust of library service in each period is reviewed, followed by more detailed examination of notable professional developments in the same years. A brief introduction provides a summary of the public library's development in the nineteenth century, and two figures included in the text will assist the reader in further understanding the details of this ever-growing agency.
Reviews / Votes
Lowell Martin's book makes this story not only enriching, but also enjoyable...Martin presents a well-written account of the phenomenon of public library influence. * Public Libraries * ...anyone involved with public libraries today owes a debt of recognition and gratitude to Lowell Martin. A powerful and persuasive argument that anyone concerned about libraries should consider seriously. * Jazznyt * ...in conclusion, one can highly recommend this book! The world's leading public library system is at once informative, insightful, and inspiring. * Papers Of The Biblio. Canada * ...certainly useful at the level of education for professional librarianship... * Journal Of Documentation * Martin's writing style is easy to read, making a perhaps daunting topic both accessible and enjoyable...I recommend this book for inclusion in both public library collections...and in academic library collections... * Australian Library Journal * The author brings substantial credentials to his task, followed by more detailed examination of notable professional developments in the same years. * Lisca * ...the book contains some thought-provoking observations. * Library History *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
311 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8108-4754-5 (9780810847545)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Lowell A. Martin (Ph.D., University of Chicago) has held administrative posts in school, academic and public libraries. He was Associate Dean of the Library School at Columbia University and organizer and Dean of the School at Rutgers University. He then spent ten years as Vice President of Grolier Incorporated. In recent years, he has conducted administrative surveys of libraries in various cities.
Content
Part 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 1. The Legacy of the Nineteenth Century
Chapter 3 2. The Foundation Years, 1900-1917
Chapter 4 3. The Innovative Years, 1918-1929
Chapter 5 4. Depression and War, 1930-1945
Chapter 6 5. Recovery and Uncertainty, 1946-1959
Chapter 7 6. Promise and Disillusionment, 1960-1979
Chapter 8 7. The Culminating Years, 1980-1999
Part 9 Bibliography
Part 10 Index
Part 11 About the Author
Chapter 2 1. The Legacy of the Nineteenth Century
Chapter 3 2. The Foundation Years, 1900-1917
Chapter 4 3. The Innovative Years, 1918-1929
Chapter 5 4. Depression and War, 1930-1945
Chapter 6 5. Recovery and Uncertainty, 1946-1959
Chapter 7 6. Promise and Disillusionment, 1960-1979
Chapter 8 7. The Culminating Years, 1980-1999
Part 9 Bibliography
Part 10 Index
Part 11 About the Author