Although the history of librarianship as an organized profession dates only as far back as the mid-19th 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 20th and early 21st centuries.
The Historical Dictionary of Librarianship focuses on librarianship as a modern, organized profession, emphasizing the period beginning in the mid-19th 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.
Mary Ellen Quinn worked as a librarian for most of her career. From 1997–2011, she worked at the American Library Association as the editor of the Reference Books Bulletin section of Booklist, the association’s review journal. She was also the managing editor of Booklist Online from 2006–11. She has published numerous articles related to library collection development and reference publishing, including Reference Books Bulletin’s annual encyclopedia update. She wrote the “Librarian’s Library” column in American Libraries from 2007–11. In 2001, she received the Louis Shores Award for excellence in book reviewing for libraries.
