Ushering in the Era of Expansion: Academic Libraries Supporting Change in American Higher Education, 1860-1920

Academic the changing ideals of American higher education. Taking on the culture and politics of the parent institution, academic libraries have been at the forefront of growth and innovation in American higher education, supporting the goals of the profession, the institution, the curriculum, and the research agenda. From the Colonial college to the multiversity, 1 the library remains a steadfast, yet flexible, pillar of support on the college campus. This is particularly true in the decades surrounding the turn of the twentieth century as the American academy expanded in scope and scale.

This chapter includes a broad explanation of how academic libraries evolved to support the changing needs and ideals of American higher education. Focusing on the years 1860-1920, the trends of increased access to higher education, expanded curriculum, and specialized research agendas are highlighted. The accompanying changes in academic libraries are also highlighted, including the professionalization of librarianship