Discussion of the role of public libraries in socioeconomic development focuses on an evaluation of the existing library system in Istanbul (Turkey) and proposes a plan for its balanced development with respect to population distribution and technological advances. Highlights include building design, library automation, and financial…

In the province of Quebec, the role of language and religion has been a significant feature in defining nationality, educating the young, and building infrastructures such as libraries. In contrast to English-Canadian provinces, only after 1960 did the government of Quebec authorize public support for public libraries to serve its francophone…

Describes the historical background of the National Library of Sri Lanka; explains the National Library Services Board; outlines the functions of the National Library; discusses library standards for school and public libraries; describes library development projects at local levels; and considers the public library's role in the government's…

Discusses early libraries of Antigua. Highlights include Thomas Bray's libraries in the 1690s; meeting literary needs in the 1700s; private libraries of the time; rise of library organizations in the mid-1800s, including the Antigua Library Society and the Presbyterian Church Library; racial issues; difficult economic times; and transformation of…

The purpose of this paper is to relate the history and growth of the Barberton Public Library (Ohio) as it has been influenced by its founders and its six directors. The biography of prominent persons who have in some way affected the development of libraries is also considered to be part of library history. The following persons and their careers…

Reviews the history of rural public library service in the United States from the first library extension movement in the 1890s through the effects of the Library Services and Construction Act of 1964. (FM)

Documents the contributions of one of Africa's foremost nationalists and pan-Africanists to the development of libraries in Nigeria. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was able to wield political influence to ensure a legal basis for public library development, establishment of the University of Nigeria Library and the eventual creation of National Library of…

Discusses the development of children's reading rooms in public libraries throughout the United States. Early efforts to isolate juveniles from adult patrons are described, the gradual acknowledgement of the value and necessity of separate children's collections is explained, and efforts to encourage teachers to use these collections are…

The inception and development of the public library in Wisconsin as a tax-supported popular library governed by an autonomous appointed board is discussed in detail. Topics covered include the evolution of legislation for public libraries for Wisconsin and other states; the history of library associations, or social libraries, transplanted from…

This paper describes the development from 1963 to 1986 of the Clark County (Nevada) Library District, which includes the rapidly growing urban area of Las Vegas. It notes that, besides responding successfully to a population growth of 330% over two decades, the system was also able to fulfill its original goal of developing local libraries that…

This paper presents a historical account of the Myron T. Herrick Memorial Library (Wellington, Ohio) created by collocation of the majority of documented information from the 1840s to the 1990s. Information was primarily taken from written sources such as monographs, papers, essays, letters, statistical reports, and meeting notes, though some…

Presents a history of library cooperation and technological advancement in North Carolina libraries from the Depression years to the early 1990s. Discusses early library cooperation and development of the North Carolina Information Network (NCIN). Describes the seven task forces on: Bibliographic Database, Document Delivery, Funding, Public…

Provides a historical view of the spread of public libraries in North Carolina. Highlights include subscription libraries; tax-supported libraries; the role of women's groups; state assistance; library services to African Americans; bookmobiles; and a series of maps that show the incidents of public libraries in various years. (Contains 52…

Discusses the professional accomplishments of Anne Carroll Moore, the librarian who first introduced children's services to the New York Public Library and who pioneered modern children's book reviewing and created one of the first and most influential children's booklists of her time. She arrived at the Library in 1906 and retired in 1941 at the…

The history of the Coshocton Public Library (Ohio) is traced from 1872 through 1992, highlighting its connection with the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum. In response to a newspaper editorial, citizens of Coshocton formed the Coshocton Library Association in 1872. The library evolved through the years as a free school library, a municipal library, a…