17th century
Libraries have grown into existence spanning for at least 1000 years. In the United Kingdom during the 17th century a few major public libraries were opened to the public including the Francis Trigger Chained Library of St. Wulfram's Church, Norwich city library in 1608, Bodleian library, Chatham’s library and the Shrewsbury School made their public library available to the broad community. These libraries in the earlier establishment differed significantly in their library practices. Early established libraries were usually founded by leaders. These libraries and received almost no public funding from taxes and security involved chaining books to the desk and threatening curses written up on the wall to warn thieves. Even though these public libraries had been established it carried restricted access to citizens, access in some circumstances depended on passes. Most individuals were only allowed to browse the library for a short period of time, and then quickly escorted out of the library when their time was up. In contrast to the current 21st century libraries uphold the legislation of “The Public Library Act” where access is available for all.
18th century
Public libraries were losing their touch; old practises such as chaining books and limited access to the library were slowly dissipating. The large library at the British Museum contained over 50,000 books but a minority of the population could access the library’s resources. The Chetham library in Britain was the only public library that was fully accessible to the public free of charge.
The Upper and Middle class relied on private or commercial subscription libraries. As these libraries provided persons with material on a variety of subjects. At the time the demand was escalating for literature and the majority of the texts that had been lend out, were primarily used for pleasure rather than academic engagement. Libraries were commonly used as social meeting areas as reading was considered a social activity.
In the 18th century commercial libraries were very popular among the community; there were at least 600 libraries and over 50,000 paid subscribers. Fiction was climbing in popularity and was even frown upon in society, many fiction novels were viewed as obscene or corrupting to the minds of young women. Libraries also did not see preservation of texts important, and manufacturers endeavoured to print books with the cheapest materials. Books circulated unbound and it’s the highest quantities.
Subscription libraries were in demand because books were expensive, and because of the high clientele and the fact that books were difficult to move around in large quantity across the country. This meant that commercial libraries were very successful in gaining profits from the general public. The United States during the 18th century had a strong push to open libraries due to the wealth of the country. And the aspiring visions for education and share knowledge lead to the establishment of many fantastic libraries such as the Library of Congress.
19th century
This revolutionary period was during the 19th century, there was conjunctively a push for true public libraries throughout the world especially in America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Progress was made to increase the standards of Britain’s public libraries, legislation has been passed to enable long term changes.
The public library act was passed in 1850 in the United Kingdom; this ensured free public libraries in interest of upholding literacy and education. The public libraries running in 2010 still run under the core principles of this act.
20th century – present
Especially during the latter part of the 20th century, libraries began to take on new trends relating to digital advances in the era. This meant that libraries that used to rely on paper records and filing had transformed into one of moving with a swift pace to accommodate technology. Technology had revolutionised the convenience of accessing information. No longer are library establishment a warehouse of dusty old books, but one of innovation and learning. Mother and children can gather for story time and community events held in the library. You can loan computers with internet access or even make reserves, extend loan periods and have an online chat with a librarian. Reference desk jobs can be done by telephone interview and likewise you can sign up to some public libraries such as the State Library of Victoria online and have the library card sent conveniently to your residence. It is not uncommon to see homework help available for students, resources to assist language learning, large print books, and audio tapes for those with a disability. The public libraries have generally taken on provisions to enable the wider community to enjoy their information services. Currently in many public libraries there is home delivery, email notification, mobile libraries and the speedy access to inter-library loans. Books, magazines and newspapers are available to be accessed online in addition to the raw materials available from public libraries.
Libraries have come a lingering way since humble beginnings.
References:
Wikipedia, 2010, Public Library, The Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 1 October 2010, <http://www.kunstpedia.com/articles/the-map-collections-of-the-british-museum-library.html>
Timeline 2010, Timeline, Google, viewed 1 October 2010, <http://www.google.com.au/#q=history+of+libraries+britain&hl=en&biw=1347&bih=538&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=vxKpTKX7O5OjcYu5pJkN&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=11&ved=0CEkQ5wIwCg&fp=1&cad=b>
History Magazine, 2010, Survivor: The History of the Library, History Magazine, viewed 1 October 2010, <http://www.history-magazine.com/libraries.html>
Twait, 2001, Favourite Library Quotes, Gustavus Adolphus College, viewed 1 October 2010, <http://homepages.gac.edu/~mtwait/favquotes.htm>
Woodhead, 2010, The incalculable cultural significance of The Library, MeanLand, viewed 1 October 2010, < http://meanland.com.au/blog/post/the-incalculable-cultural-significance-of-the-library>
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