Through a comparison of the historical perspectives of medieval and modern libraries, this paper is designed to clarify the purpose and goals of the library, and to promote a public and intellectual debate to guide future developments. The Middle Ages were chosen because libraries possessed an importance and centrality to learning, civilization,…

This bulletin is virtually a new edition of the work entitled "Special collections of American libraries," by William Coolidge Lane and Charles Knowles Bolton, published in 1892. Since the publication of that most important contribution to American library literature there have been several surveys of a local character published. While…

During the last decade, research has become increasingly important to the profession of librarianship. Seven library schools now have doctoral programs, foundation grants have stimulated and supported scores of major projects, and the research method has been recognized as an accepted technique for solving library problems. The increasing volume…