Library and Information History

Links to information on Library and Information History Group projects:

• Electronic memory project
  
  
•  Report: Researching the Fabric and Fittings of the Historic Library in the British Isles: Problems and the Way Forward: a report commissioned by the Library History Group of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (formerly the Library Association) by E.A. Quarmby Lawrence B.Lib.
  
  
• Early Public Library Buildings: Origins, Condition and Future Roles. A Research Project Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Board
  Project Directors:
  Professor Simon Pepper (School of Architecture, University of Liverpool)
  Professor Alistair Black (School of Information Management, Leeds Metropolitan University)
  Project Officer:
  Kaye Bagshaw (University of Liverpool)
  
  Project Details
  
  Although modern, flagship public libraries have recently attracted considerable publicity, relatively little attention has been given to the historic buildings that still form a significant part of Britain’s public library system. A three-year research project aims to remedy this oversight. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Board, and under the joint direction of Professor Simon Pepper and Professor Alistair Black, the project will provide a socio-architectural history of pre-1939 British public library buildings, as well as an evaluation of their potential for modernisation.
  
  An initial survey, partly formed by a questionnaire to departments of local studies throughout Britain, will identify and classify surviving buildings, including those that are no longer used as libraries. This will form the basis for a social and architectural history of what were socially ambitious civic institutions supported by a rich iconography. The third and final phase of the project will concentrate on case studies of schemes to upgrade historic buildings, focusing on issues of public image and best practice.
  
  If you have information about pre-1939 public library buildings in your area that you are willing to share please contact Kaye Bagshawe.