Examines the work of the Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus and other evidence for the existence of public libraries in fourth and fifth century A.D. Rome. It is concluded that a number of libraries were still in existence in the early fourth century, and at least one was open as late as A.D. 455. (MES)

Traces the history of the Library Company of Philadelphia, which was founded by Benjamin Franklin. Early book selection and scope of the collection, subsequent growth and development, and the various directors of the company are described. The bibliography includes publications of the Library Company and publications about the Library Company.…

Describes the special collection of the Saint Paul (Minnesota) Public Library, named in honor of former library director, Perrie Jones, which contains over 1,700 books that illustrate significant stages in the history of printing from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. (Author)

Describes the present status of some of the 2,509 libraries funded by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie near the turn of the century. Many Carnegie libraries are still in operation; some have been expanded or renovated. Others have been replaced by new libraries or have been demolished or converted for nonlibrary use. (LLS)

Describes services to children offered by the Washington, D.C., public library from 1896 to the 1980s. Topics addressed include early collections and facilities, the growth of branch libraries, and recent construction and programs. Several photographs are included. (four references) (MES)

Traces some of the changes which public libraries have had to confront over the years and gives suggestions for dealing with future changes. Ten references are listed. (LLS)

Chronicles the history of the Dallas Public library and the life of Siddie Joe Johnson, a children's librarian at the library from 1938 to 1965. Topics addressed include library collections and facilities; Johnson's innovative programing for children, including creative writing groups and book parades; and her publications. (eight references) (MES)

In 1903, Andrew Carnegie provided the community of Lincoln, Illinois, with a $25,000 grant to build a public library. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Lincoln Public Library conforms to the general characteristics of Carnegie public libraries as defined by George S. Bobinski, a leading researcher in the area of Carnegie public…

Explores the use of audiovisual materials in children's programing at the Seattle Public Library prior to 1920. Kinds of materials discussed include pictures, reflectoscopes, films, sound recordings, lantern slides, and stereographs. (17 references) (MES)

Discusses the view that public libraries are institutions that advance the dominant culture's ideology; considers the multicultural society in which libraries operate; and reviews selected books and articles, particularly those related to African-American experiences in and around libraries, and suggests ways to move toward a more inclusive public…

Presents histories and descriptions of two major public library collections of Afro-Americana and Africana: the Vivian G. Harsh Collection of Afro-American History and Literature (Chicago Public Library); and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York Public Library). Fifteen references are listed. (Author/MES)

Describes the work of Educational Information Centers (EICs) in public libraries, using several case histories as illustrations. Ways in which EICs change libraries and their roles are discussed, and the support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation for development of EICs is reviewed. Four references are listed. (MES)

Examines the first libraries established for children in the United States between 1876 and 1900 and discusses various definitions of "children" and "library" as used by early writers. Specific examples of different configurations for children's libraries are described, from book collections without buildings, to separate rooms with professional…

The architectural designs of 13 of Canada's 124 Carnegie libraries are briefly described with 17 photographs showing features of the buildings. (CHC)

Describes the New York Public Library's early preservational activities including its binding, repair, and maintenance programs. This is the first in a series of articles describing the library's activities in this area. (CHC)