Free Town Libraries, Their Formation, Management, And History: In Britain, France, Germany, And America (cambridge Library Collection - History Of Printing, Publishing And Libraries)
by Edward Edwards /
2010 / English / PDF
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An important figure in the establishment of free libraries in the
United Kingdom, Edward Edwards (1812-1886) wrote this study, first
published in 1869, as a handbook intended for promoters and
managers of free town libraries. The book outlines the formation
and workings of public libraries, beginning with British examples
and proceeding to compare the British experience with libraries
abroad, especially in America. Edwards presents strong evidence of
the increasing number, and improving management, of libraries at
this time, and also stresses the strikingly diverse circumstances
under which libraries in the United Kingdom and abroad were
established. The volume is an important historical document in
library studies, and a testimony to Edwards' commitment and
contribution to the free library movement which have been an
inspiration to later generations of professional librarians.
An important figure in the establishment of free libraries in the
United Kingdom, Edward Edwards (1812-1886) wrote this study, first
published in 1869, as a handbook intended for promoters and
managers of free town libraries. The book outlines the formation
and workings of public libraries, beginning with British examples
and proceeding to compare the British experience with libraries
abroad, especially in America. Edwards presents strong evidence of
the increasing number, and improving management, of libraries at
this time, and also stresses the strikingly diverse circumstances
under which libraries in the United Kingdom and abroad were
established. The volume is an important historical document in
library studies, and a testimony to Edwards' commitment and
contribution to the free library movement which have been an
inspiration to later generations of professional librarians.