This document provides an overview of the history of school libraries. It notes that there is no comprehensive published history of school libraries and they are inadequately covered in histories of education and librarianship. The organized school library first emerged as a phenomenon in the 20th century. Important dates and events in the development of school libraries are shown in an interactive timeline. Standards from the American Association of School Librarians are also listed. The document concludes with references used in its creation.

1. THE HISTORY OF
SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Cindy Weakley

3. Interestingly, “Not only is there no
comprehensive published history of school
libraries, but that school libraries are
inadequately covered in the general histories
of education and librarianship.” (Clyde, 1999)

4. Lucile F. Fargo stated “the organized school library is a
twentieth century phenomenon.” (as cited in Clyde, 1999)

5. IMPORTANT DATES IN
SCHOOL LIBRARY HISTORY
Click on the image
to view a timeline
of events in the
history of school
libraries and click
on each event for
an explanation of
its significance.

6. STANDARDS:
 American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Reading
standards for literacy in history/social studies crosswalk: Grades 6-8.

7.  TSW work in small groups and
choose a topic from the provided list to
conduct additional research using the
library resources.
 TSW organize, develop, and create
a brief presentation (PowerPoint, Prezi,
oral, poster, etc.) including pertinent
information about their topic.
ASSESSMENT:
 Library History Topics:
• Melvil Dewey
• Library of Congress
• Johann Gutenberg
• Scribes
• Benjamin Franklin
• Papyrus rolls/Scrolls
• Printing Press
• Ink
• Book Binding Methods

9. REFERENCES
American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). Reading standards for literacy in history/
social studies crosswalk: Grades 6-8. Retrieved on February 18, 2015
fromhttp://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/crosswalk/read-hist/grade6
Clyde, L.A. (1999). The schole lybrarie: Images from our past. School Libraries
Worldwide, 5(1), 1-16. Retrieved on February 18, 2015 from
https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/le/content/5783514/viewContent/30464305/View
Galindo, B. (2013, May 16). 19 wonderful vintage school library posters: These imaginative posters from
the 1960s encouraged kids to (gasp!) explore the library. Retrieved on February 19, 2015 from
http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/19-wonderful-vintage-school-library-
posters#.lsJWwgK0Q

10. Georgia Library Media Association. (n.d.). History of school library standards: A timeline.
Retrieved on February 18, 2015 from
https://glma.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/history-of-school-library-standards-
a-timeline/
Greenman, E.D. (1913). The development of secondary school libraries. Library
Journal, 38, Retrieved on February 18, 2015 from
https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/le/content/5783514/viewContent/30464304/Vie
w
Harness, J. & O’Connell, R. (n.d.). 30 vintage photos of people in libraries.
Retrieved on February 18, 2015 from
http://mentalfloss.com/article/57504/30-vintage-photos-people-libraries
Jeffus, B. (2002). “What’s past is prologue”: A timely look at school libraries. CSLA
Journal 26(1), 11-14. Retrieved on February 18, 2015 from
https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/le/content/5783514/viewContent/30464303/Vie
w
Murray, S. (2009). The library: An illustrated history. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.