Samuel Swett Green
Samuel Swett Green | |
|---|---|
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| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office July 1891 – November 1891 | |
| Preceded by | Melvil Dewey |
| Succeeded by | Klas August Linderfelt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1837 Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | December 8, 1918 (aged 81) Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | founding figure in America’s public library movement |
Samuel Swett Green (February 20, 1837 – December 8, 1918) was a founding figure in America’s public library movement.
Biography
Green was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to the apothecary James Green and Elizabeth Swett. He was educated at Harvard, graduating in 1858. A few years later, he attended Harvard Divinity School but did not graduate until 1864 due to health issues.[1] Forsaking the ministry, he began his library career in 1867, when he was appointed director of the Worcester Free Public Library.[2] The library was heavily funded by Green’s uncle, Dr. John Green.[1] As director, Green focused primarily on the technical aspects of librarianship. He also instituted an interlibrary loan system and a lending collection of artwork.[3] In 1871, he took up the position of librarian, a position he held for 38 years.[4]
Green was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1880.[5]
References
- ^ a b Richardson Jr., John V. "Green, Samuel Swett (20 February 1837 - 8 December 1918)". Retrieved 5 April 2015.
- ^ Samuel Swett Green: Worcester Free Public Library, Worcester, MA., Director 1867-1871, Librarian 1871-1909. Worcester, MA: Press of F. S. Blanchard & Co. 1909. pp. 1–18. Retrieved 5 April 2015.
- ^ "Samuel Swett Green | Worcester Public Library".
- ^ Deng, Liya (September 2014). "The Evolution of Library Reference Services: From General to Special, 1876-1920s". Libri: International Journal of Libraries & Information Services. 64 (3): 254–262.
- ^ American Antiquarian Society Members Directory
Further reading
- Bopp, Richard E. and Linda C. Smith. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, 3d ed. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 2001.
- Coombs, Zelotes Wood. (1909). Samuel Swett Green Worcester Free Public Library Worcester Mass. Director 1867-1871; Librarian 1871-1909. (a Memorial.) [with a Portrait.]. F.S. Blanchard & Co: Worcester Mass.
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