'A Difficult Modernity': The Library of the Catholic University of Nijmegen, 1923–1968

Abstract

Nijmegen University Library was founded in 1923 as the library of the new Catholic University of Nijmegen. The paper covers the development of the Library from its foundation until 1968, focusing on problems of authority, advocacy, presentation, and modernity. The Library's response to the challenges of the early years, the Second World War, and post-war reconstruction are discussed and attention is drawn to problems of interpretation. Key documents from the Library's archives are analysed, including texts by librarians such as Cornelissen, Smits, and Kievits. Finally, the paper suggests a number of topics for further consideration and research but also argues for a new historical overview of Nijmegen University Library.

Keywords:

• NIJMEGEN
• UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
• CATHOLIC
• NETHERLANDS
• AUTHORITY
• MODERNITY
• ANTHONY CORNELISSEN
• KAREL SMITS
• NOL KIEVITS