Gertrude Bell and the Evolution of the Library Tradition in Iraq

Reference Type Book Chapter
Year of Publication
2017
Contributors Author: Ian Johnson
Editor: Paul Collins
Editor: Charles Tripp
Book Title
Gertrude Bell and Iraq: A Life and Legacy
Language
Pagination
257-272
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Chronological Period
Abstract

This paper discusses Gertrude Bell's involvement in the foundation of the Baghdad Public Library and the Iraq Museum Library, shedding light on issues that have surrounded their creation and development. It identifies Muriel Jesse Forbes as the person who actually initiated the concept for the library that, as a result of Bell's energetic support, became the Baghdad Public Library and ultimately the National Library of Iraq. It also reviews Bell's commitment to the development of a library as part of the Iraq Museum, and outlines its growth into a major information resource on the history and archaeology of Iraq. Finally it considers the motives underlying the efforts of Bell and her contemporaries, and their impact on the subsequent development of library and archives services in Iraq.