Science and Technology Departments in Public Libraries

Abstract

Public libraries in the United States had their origins in New England during the late eighteenth century. By 1876, the significant developments included the first meeting of a professional association, and the introduction of Melvil Dewey's classification sheme. By the turn of the century, technical information was increasing and the public need for access to it led to the development of science and technology departments in public libraries. New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit were among the first large public libraries to establish such departments. A unique arrangement in Chicago was an early resource-sharing project. Significant events after World War II included the establishment of the Linda Hall Library and the rise of the environmental movement. Automation, interlibrary cooperation, and continuing increases in technical publication will be prominent features on the landscape of the future as science and technology departments respond to the challenge of providing timely access to the right information.