LHRT (Library History Round Table)

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The mission of the Library History Round Table (LHRT) is to encourage research and publication on library history and promote awareness and discussion of historical issues in librarianship.

Learn more about LHRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  Question - Timeline of Important Developments/Events/Pioneers on Librarianship in USA

    Posted Apr 16, 2024 05:41 PM

    Hi LHRT,

    Does anyone have recommendations on a timeline of important developments/events/pioneers on librarianship in USA? 



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    Bryan Gonzalez
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  • 2.  RE: Question - Timeline of Important Developments/Events/Pioneers on Librarianship in USA

    Posted Apr 17, 2024 06:05 AM
    Here's one short version:
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    Michael Gorman
    525 W. Superior, Apt.225
    Chicago Illinois 60654
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    312-515-8478



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Question - Timeline of Important Developments/Events/Pioneers on Librarianship in USA

    Posted Apr 19, 2024 09:51 PM

    Hi Michael, 

    Thank you for including short timeline. 



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    Bryan Gonzalez
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Question - Timeline of Important Developments/Events/Pioneers on Librarianship in USA

    Posted Apr 17, 2024 07:28 AM

    Hi Bryan --

    For a general chronology, it's hard to beat Elizabeth Stone's American Library Development, 1600-1899. It's out of print, but you can still find used copies for sale. For the 20th century, I often start with George Bobinski's Libraries and Librarianship: 60 Years of Challenge and Change but in my opinion, it's not as comprehensive or as clearly documented as Stone's. If you can find a run at a library near you, it can also be helpful to look at Library and Book Trade Almanac (formerly known as "Bowker's Annual"), a yearly publication that captures trends in our "industry." It goes as far back as the 1950s. 

    Sometimes, scholars publish chronologies relating to specific areas of librarianship. For example, a team including Anthony Bernier and Jennifer Burek Pierce (both current LHRT members) published a chronology pertaining to children's librarianship. 

    I hope this helps, and I hope that others chime in!

    Bernadette  :)



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    Bernadette Lear
    Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Social Sciences Librarian
    Penn State University Libraries
    She/Her/Hers,Ms.
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Question - Timeline of Important Developments/Events/Pioneers on Librarianship in USA

    Posted Apr 19, 2024 09:56 PM

    Hi Bernadette, 

    Thank you for mentioning three books and a chronology pertaining to children's librarianship. You are right that timelines can be tailored to specific areas of librarianship. When asking, I just wanted to get a general idea on how librarianship has evolved and key milestones in librarianship development in USA. 



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    Bryan Gonzalez
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    Original Message