Dissertation Information for Joseph Ravelli NAME: - Joseph Ravelli
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Rutgers University (USA) (1987)
ADVISORS: - Herbert R. Kells
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Lora Dee Garrison - Hendrik Edelman - Pamela Richards
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: AN HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT IN THE LATE NINETEENTH-CENTURY: CASE STUDIES OF THE LIBRARIES OF NEW JERSEY'S UNIVERSITIES WITH COLONIAL ORIGINS (VINTON; UPSON)
Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to identify some of the critical forces at play in the late nineteenth century that made possible a radical change in attitudes toward the academic library's role, and that spurred the development of new forms of library service, which became the norm in the twentieth century. The major focus was upon the libraries and library policies of New Jersey's two institutions of higher education with colonial origins, Princeton University and Rutgers University. A secondary objective was to gain insight into the nature of library development at these institutions through a comparison of their respective experiences. In the case of Princeton, the investigation focused on Frederic Vinton, librarian from 1873 to 1889, who served under President James McCosh. In Rutgers' case, the central figure studied was Irving S. Upson, librarian from 1884 to 1906, who served under Presidents Merrill Edwards Gates and Austin Scott.
The methodology used in the study included the formulation of a standard, or model, of progressive academic library policies, drawn from the ideas and practices of Justin Winsor and Melvil Dewey. The study examined the libraries and library policies of Vinton and Upson in light of the model.
The study established that the factors promoting the development of progressive academic librarianship in the period include institutional acceptance of new educational methods and ideas emanating from Europe, strong presidential leadership, and the availability of adequate financial resources. With respect to Princeton and Rutgers, the study demonstrated that the former, under the effective leadership of McCosh and with the strong financial support of private benefactors, moved significantly ahead of the latter in respect to the quality of library operations. Thus, unlike Rutgers, by 1873 Princeton had a full-time professional librarian, a substantial fund for library materials, and a separate library building. Rutgers, in contrast, experienced comparatively weak leadership, enjoyed little benefaction, and, though designated a land-grant institution, was meagerly supported by the State of New Jersey. Consequently, in this period it did not have the commitment or the financial resources to professionalize and enhance its library significantly.
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MPACT Scores for Joseph Ravelli A = 0
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calculated 2008-01-31 06:09:44
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