Colleagues:
In the next 25 years hundreds of public and academic libraries will be celebrating their 150th anniversaries. I have chosen to do a history of the San Francisco Public Library for its 150th in 2029, a year in which four other major CA libraries (Stockton, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento) are also 150. Far as I know, I'm the only one in CA doing this.
I encourage all library historians to give consideration to doing the same with important libraries in their areas, or beginning and monitoring projects like McGill's. Our profession seems to care so little about its history that "celebrations" are at least one way to add to librarianship's body of literature, still woefully inadequate for such a ubiquitous cultural and educational institution.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/22/2026 1:24:00 PM
From: Kristen Howard
Subject: CFP: History of McGill Libraries
Dear colleagues,
To mark the second centenary of McGill University Libraries in 2029, we have developed the project of publishing an edited volume on the history of McGill Libraries. You will find attached our call for original book chapters and focus texts. This project aims not to produce an exhaustive institutional history, but rather to advance new historical knowledge through original research presenting thematic inquiries and varied perspectives that collectively deepen understanding of the Libraries' historical development and significance.
Please consider submitting to the volume, and sending this information on to anyone who may be interested.
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Kristen Howard
Liaison Librarian
McGill Libraries - Montreal, QC
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