Library and Information History

Latin alphabet standardized

The alphabet consisted of 22 characters.

1. January 100

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Ts'ai Lun credited with inventing paper

Ts'ai Lun was a court eunich during the Eastern Han dynasty. His name also written as "Cai". Paper allowed China to develop more rapidly because information was easier to transmit by using paper, rather than writing on other, more costly materials.

1. January 105

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Ulpian Library founded

One of the largest and longest surviving libraries in Ancient Rome, the Ulpian Library was founded by Emperor Trajan. It was a large building with big reading rooms and artwork. The library housed scrolls. (1)

1. January 114

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circa.... Theological Library of Caesarea Maritima

This Christian library was established at Caesarea Maritima and owes much to the collecting and patronage of Pamphilus of Caesarea and his student, Eusebius who recorded his life. The library may have contained over 30,000 manuscripts but was later...

1. January 200

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Library at Nicomedia established

Emperor Diocletian establishes a library in the Eastern Roman capital of Nicomedia.

1. January 284

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Imperial Library of Constantinople founded

Founded by Emperor Constantine II, the library copied fragile materials onto more durable parchment. Themestios may have been the "person in charge" or the librarian. (1)

1. January 375

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circa.... Ulpian Library destroyed

The library was destroyed sometime during the Fall of the Western Roman Empire.

1. January 450

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Imperial Library of Constantinople Burns

One of the last great ancient libraries, the Imperial Library of Constantinople lost over 120,000 manuscripts when it was burned. This library housed many texts of ancient Greek thought and writing.

1. January 475

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Anno Domini (AD) era invented

Christian monk, Dionysius Exiguus, created the Anno Domini (AD) method of reckoning time in the Western world.

1. January 525

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Benedict's Rules include scriptoria and foundations for knowledge

Benedict of Nursia formulates his Rules for Monastic Life which included, among other things, need for a scriptoria to contain information and knowledge. Greek and Latin learning were collected in order to increase a monk's knowledge, especially in the...

1. January 529

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First University (including a library and teaching hospital)

The Academy of Gundeshapur changed the way medicine was taught, even requiring students to pass exams and become accredited. A large library supported the studies at this location.

1. January 550

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Monastery Library at Luxeuil founded

Columban brought manuscripts from Ireland to create the library.

1. January 585

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Theological library at Caesarea Maritima destroyed through sacking

Caesarea Maritima was captured by the Persians during this year and then in 638 by the Saracens. The library was most likely destroyed in the first attack in 614.

1. January 614

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Library of Luxeuil sacked

Vandals sacked the library for the valuable manuscripts.

1. January 731

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Paper Mill in Baghdad

Most likely human or animal powered. Muslims brought the Chinese paper-making technique west.

1. January 794

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Oldest manuscript colophon (example of metadata) created

This was included the "Book of Prophets" by Aaron ben Moses ben Asher. The colophon gives facts about the book itself, like where and when it was created. Asher, a Jewish scholar, also created a way to write Hebrew vowels.

1. January 896

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First airmail parcel post

Nizar Abu Mansur al-Aziz, the caliph of North Africa had cherries sent to him in Cairo from Lebanon by using over 600 homing pigeons. The pigeons carried the cherries in small bags attached to their legs.

1. January 976

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Fist novel written in Japan

The Tale of Genji is often considered to be one of the first novels ever written. It is also considered the first Romance novel. It was written in installments by Murasaki Shikibu.

1. January 1021

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Earliest known wax seal for letters

Wax seals provided security that the letter came from a certain sender and that the letter was unopened until the seal was broken.

1. January 1079

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circa...Oxford University begins

Oxford University isn't formally established, but can trace its teaching roots back this far.

1. January 1096

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circa... University of Paris founded

The University of Paris was one of the earliest European Universities.

1. January 1150

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Council of Paris encourages Monastic libraries to lend books

Sharing Christian knowledge was a virtue and therefore, the Council of Paris condemns Monastic libraries that do not lend or allow books to be read.

1. January 1212

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circa...Runners and message stations set up to relay information

Ghengis Khan set up a series of relay runners to carry messages. They had "postal stations" set up along major roads.

1. January 1220

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Water powered paper mill

First evidence of a water powered paper mill.

1. January 1282

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circa...Block printing becomes common in Europe

Block printing was first used with cloth, but later on paper as well.

1. January 1300

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Bibliotheque National de France established

Originally, the library was housed in the Louvre palace. It contained manuscripts inherited by Charles V.

1. January 1368

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Establishment of Standard Time

French King Charles V establishes standard time.

1-1. January 1370

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Movable metal fonts used for printing

Buddhist scriptures printed in Korea using movable type metal fonts. The text, known as Jikji is a Buddhist Zen Scripture. (See http://www.historyofinformation.com/expanded.php?id=3055)

1-1. January 1377

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Gutenberg develops unique moveable typesetting and printing press

Johannes Gutenberg developed a unique way to easily create new letters and switch out typesets for printing pages more quickly. He also developed improved ink types.

1. January 1450

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Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi used by public

While the library may have been extant earlier, by 1457 the collection was open and being used by the public.

1. January 1457

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Vatican Library established

Pope Nicholas V established the Vatican Library formally (though manuscripts had been collected informally prior to this) and appointed Bartolomeo Platina the first librarian. In 1481, Platina records that there were 3,500 items in the library.

1. February 1475

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Cambridge University Press founded

1-1. January 1521

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Thomas Bodley born

Thomas Bodley was originally a diplomat, but left this career to reform the library at Oxford.

2. March 1545

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Painting: The Librarian

Painted by mannerist painter, Guiseppe Arcimboldo.

1. January 1556

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Sir Thomas Bodley reforms Oxford Library: Bodleian Library

Sir Thomas Bodley took over the Oxford Library which had been neglected for some time. He reorganised and restored it. In addition, he arranged with a publisher to house one copy of every book they publish in his library for public use...

1. January 1598

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Francis Trigge Chained Library

This library, which is still in its original location, is the forerunner to today's public libraries. The library was designed for use by the clergy at St. Wulfram's church, but also for public use...

1. January 1598

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Gabriel Naudé born

Gabriel Naudé is influential in library science due to his writings and his work with building a library for the Cardinal Jules Mazarin.

2. February 1600

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Sir Thomas Bodley dies

Bodley spent the latter years of his life on his library project.

28. January 1613

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Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque published

Gabriel Naudé published Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque (Advice on Establishing a Library). This book put forth many more modern and liberal ideas on organizing a library. (Read in French here)

1. January 1627

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Bibliothèque Mazarine open: oldest public library in France

Originally the personal collection of bibliophile, Cardinal Mazarin, the Bibliothèque Mazarine was arranged by Gabriel Naudé who also performed liberal collection development for the library. This library was open to the public...

1. January 1642

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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz born

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a philosopher, polymath, librarian and inventor. His writings on logic anticipate both Boole and Turing. He work in libraries helped establish modern library science.

1. July 1646

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Librarians deserve a wage...

John Drury writes that librarians should be more than caretakers of books: they should be well educated in library concepts and other topics. He also advocated for a living wage paid to librarians.

1. January 1650

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Gabriel Naudé dies

Gabriel Naudé died of broken health on a trip from Sweden back to Paris to help reform his library.

10. July 1653

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Royal Society founded

A group of 12 learned men agreed to form a society to meet weekly to discuss scientific topics and experiments. (1)

28. November 1660

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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz works as a librarian

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz is appointed Privy Counselor of Justice where among other things, he works as librarian. His work as a librarian helps set foundations of modern library science. He creates a building for the duke's collection specifically...

1. January 1677

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First public library in Ireland

Built by Archbishop Narcissus March. Still standing.

1. January 1701

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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz dies

Leibniz died out of favor with the royalty at the time and his grave went unmarked for 50 years!

14. November 1716

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British Museum Founded

The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. It was begun with a collection of objects donated by Sir Hans Sloane. The museum was enacted through an Act of Parliament.

7. June 1753

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Encycopedia Britannica Created

Founded by Colin MacFarquhar, Archibald Constable and Andrew Bell.

1. January 1768

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First Library in Columbia

This may have been one of the oldest libraries in the "New World." It was opened to the public by Viceroy Manuel Antonio Florez as the Royal Library. This area of of the Americas was known as New Granada as a part of New Spain at the time...

9. January 1777

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First American Cookbook published

American Cookery by Amelia Simmons was the first cookbook published in the US and written by an American.

1. January 1796

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Anthony Panzzi Born

Anthony Panizzi was born in Italy. He later emigrated to England. He later became a librarian at the British Museum Library. He is famous for redeveloping the reading room at the British Museum Library and for modernising cataloging processes.

16. September 1797

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Library of Congress established

The Library of Congress was first housed in the original Capitol building. President John Adams signed the act of congress that allowed for $5,000 of funds for the purchase of books for the library...

24. April 1800

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First librarian of Congress

John Beckley becomes the first librarian at the Library of Congress.

29. January 1802

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Appeal to public of New South Wales to help establish a library

Samuel Marsden appeals (unsuccessfully) to the public to help him raise funds for a public library.

1. January 1809

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Public Library of Buenos Aires founded

This library would eventually become the National Library of the Argentine Republic.

13. September 1810

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National Library of Brazil founded

Library founded, but building not complete for a few more years.

29. October 1810

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Steam Powered Printing Press tested

Friedrich Koenig's steam powered printing press was given a test run in April of 1812. He received his patent for the idea in 1810. Could print thousands of copies a day.

1. April 1812

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Photography invented

Nicephore Niepce, a French inventor, created the first photograph.

1. January 1826

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School of Arts opened

A School of Arts, or Mechanic's Institute, was a place where men could go and listen to lectures and access books. The first of its kind in Australia was the Van Diemen's Land Mechanics' Institute. (see more)

1. January 1827

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Oldest tax-supported public library in US

Petersborough, New Hampshire is the site of the oldest tax-supported public library in the US. Taxes for the library's purchase of books was based on citizen income. Source: Somervill, B. A. (2006). The history of the library...

9. April 1833

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First municipally funded library in US

The first municipally funded library in the United States was opened in New Hampshire.

9. April 1833

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National Library of Algiers founded

Founded by Adrien Berbrugger, a French archaeologist, philologist and museum curator.

1. January 1835

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Royal Library of Belgium founded

This library can trace its heritage back to the 1400's. In 1839 it was open to public.

1. January 1837

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Charles Cutter born

Charles Cutter is best known for developing an expanding cataloging system that he wasn't able to complete before his death. He began discussions about early forms of Inter-Library Loans.

14. March 1837

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Ninety-one Cataloging Rules

Anthony Panizzi, along with assistants, writes the Ninety-one Cataloging Rules. These rules helped establish modern cataloging practices.

1. January 1841

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Lithographic Rotary Printing Press Invented

Invented by Richard M. Hoe, the press could print millions of pages a day.

1. January 1843

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National library of Georgia founded

The forerunner of the National Parliamentary Library in Georgia was the Tiflis Public Library.

1. January 1846

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Smithsonian Institute created

James Smithson left his fortune to the United States in 1829. He was an English scientist. After deciding how to best use his gift, which was intended to increase knowledge among Americans, President Polk signed the Smithsonian Institution Act,...

10. August 1846

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Melvil Dewey Born

Write anything Melvil Dewey is most often associated with the creation of the Dewey Decimal System. He also worked to create library schools and help admit women into the profession....

10. December 1851

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Fire destroys large part of Jefferson Library collection

Two-thirds of the Jefferson Library Collection at the Library of Congress were destroyed by fire.

24. December 1851

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First US Library Convention

First US Library Convention. Eighty men in attendance. To see text from the convention (http://archive.org/details/cu31924029511874)

15-17. September 1853

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George Boole publishes book that is foundation of Boolean logic

George Boole publishes an Investigation of the Laws of Thought which help establish the logic behind Boolean logic and searches.

1. January 1854

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Antigua Public Library formally established

While this library was mentioned in writings as early as the 17th century, it wasn't formally established until around this date.

1. January 1854

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Boston Public Library opens

This library was meant for all of the public to use in order to promote universal education. Within 6 months of operation, over 35,000 items were borrowed (Bopp, Reference and Information services, p. 7).

20. March 1854

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First transatlantic telecommunications

First telegraph communication took place between Europe and the Americas through the newly laid transatlantic cable.

15. August 1858

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US Government Printing Office established

The Printing Act established a Government Printing Office in order to print government publications, rules and regulations.

23. June 1860

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Mary Eileen Ahern born

Mary Ahern was influential in supporting libraries and new thoughts in library science through both her writing and her work. She was a president of the Illinois Library Association 3 times and a member of the American Library Association. (1)

1. October 1860

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Dewey Decimal System Copyrighted

Melvil Dewey created in 1876. This is mostly a hierarchical classification scheme, but also includes faceted elements.

1. January 1876

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Telephone Patent granted

Alexander Gramm Bell is granted a patent for his telephone device.

7. March 1876

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American Library Association Begun

The American Library Association was begun through the work of many librarians including Melvil Dewey, Justin Winsor, Charles Cutter, Samuel Green, Fred Perkins, and Thomas Bicknell. The aim of the ALA is to help promote library services and...

6. October 1876

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Phonograph invented

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. The first recording cylinders used foil. Later cylinders used wax. (an example of an early wax recording)

18. July 1877

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Lady Margaret Hall established for women at Oxford University

Women were attending Oxford University, but could not receive full membership yet. Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford started with 9 students.

1. January 1878

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Sir Anthony Panizzi dies

Anthony Panizzi was knighted later in life. He was a proponent of equal access to learning for all people, regardless of status.

8. April 1879

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Bulgarian National Library founded

Work on the library was spearheaded by a teacher, Michael Bubotinov.

17. June 1879

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First Carnegie Library Built

Built in Carnegie's home town, Dunfermline, Scotland.

1. August 1883

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First library staff hired with title "reference librarian"

Melvil Dewey hired staff with the title "reference librarian" when he organized the first 2 person reference department at Columbia College. (Bopp, Reference and Information Services, p. 8).

1. January 1885

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First Carnegie Library in America

Built in Braddock, PA.

1. August 1889

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Michigan Library Association begun

Apparently begun by Mary A. Eddy as a call to have a statewide library association.

1. January 1890

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New Jersey Library Association begun

New Jersey Library Association began with 39 members.

1. January 1890

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Massachusetts Library Association begun

Started off as the Massachusetts Library Club.

1. January 1890

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ALTA created

The American Library Trustee Association is founded.

1. January 1890

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Illinois Library Association founded

Founded by a group of professionals that can trace their roots back to the Western Library Association, which only met twice.

1. January 1896

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Original National library of Bosnia and Herzegovnia founded

Opened on this date, then later (1949) used by the City Authority. Later given to the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovnia.

20. April 1896

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Nebraska Library Commission founded

Nebraska Library Commission was founded by state legislature to promote libraries in Nebraska and create new ones where there was a lack. (1)

27. March 1901

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Texas Library Association founded

Originally named the Texas State Library Association, TLA was created by a group of 30 delegates to promote libraries and education in Texas.

2. June 1902

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Charles Cutter died

Cutter helped set up branch libraries and an early precursor to the Bookmobile. He also encouraged children to participate in the library.

6. September 1903

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First horse-drawn bookmobile in US.

A horse-drawn bookmobile could be seen in Hagerstown, Maryland in this year. Washington County Library was the sponsor. The horses are named Black Beauty and Dandy, the driver is Joshua Thomas. Sources: Somervill, B. A. (2006)...

1. January 1905

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Forerunner of the National Library of China founded

Originally known as the Metropolitan Library. It is one of the largest libaries in the world.

24. April 1909

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New York Public Library dedicated

The New York Public Library is dedicated with President Taft presiding at the dedication. The New York Public Library's building is the largest marble structure in the United States.

23. May 1911

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Henriette Avram born

Heriette Avram helped create the MARC format for libraries. She was instrumental in the field of computer information services for libraries.

7. October 1919

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Women given full membership at Oxford University

The Association for the Promoting the Higher Education of Women and other individuals were instrumental in helping this become a reality.

1. January 1920

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Creation of Newbery Medal for Children's Literature

The American Library Association created the Newbery Medal for excellence in Children's Literature. This is the world's first literary award for children's books.

22. June 1921

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National Library of Belarus founded

Original building founded on this day.

15. September 1922

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National library of Albania inaugurated

Also known as Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë (Albanian).

10. December 1922

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National Library of Azerbaijan founded

Full name is Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library of Azerbaijan. Named after a prominent philosopher of Azerbaijan. Library opened as a building on this day.

23. May 1923

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Andorran National Library Established

Also known as Biblioteca Nacional d'Andorra.

8. September 1930

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Melvil Dewey dies

Melvil Dewey later in life was a creator of the American Metric Bureau. He also established the Lake Placid Club.

26. December 1931

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U.S. Federal Register Act

The Federal Register Act of 1935 provided bibliographic consistency among government publications and regulations.

1. January 1935

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First library in Belize

This was known as the Jubilee Library. It was a free public library.

1. January 1935

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Mary Eileen Ahern dies

Mary Eileen Ahern was a tireless supporter of libraries and saw public libraries as instrumental to the nation's educational attainment.

22. May 1938

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ALA adopts Code of Ethics

The American Library Association (ALA) creates and adopts its first version of its Code of Ethics. For the current version, click here. Source: Magi, T. J. (2011). Fourteen Reasons Privacy Matters: A Multidisciplinary Review of Scholarly Literature...

1. January 1939

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Nancy Pearl born

Nancy Pearl is a famous and influential librarian. She is the author of Book Lust, published in 2003, has a librarian action figure modelled after her and appears on public radio with book recommendations...

12-12. January 1945

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Spinster Librarian in It's a Wonderful Life

Hollywood perpetuates a stereotype about librarians in It's a Wonderful Life, where Mary has become a spinster librarian.

1. January 1946

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ENIAC unveiled

ENIAC, the world's first general purpose computer was unveiled.

14. February 1946

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UNESCO ratified

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is ratified by a group of nations in order to promote peace through education, understanding, justice through science, education and information sharing between nations.

4. November 1946

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Ruth Brown stands before a city commission

Ruth Brown, a civil rights activist and proponent of intellectual freedom was questioned before a city commission prior to her dismissal in 1950. She had been a librarian for over 30 years at Bartlesville Public Library...

25. July 1950

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Turing Test -- defining artificial intelligence

Alan Turing writes an article that addresses issues about artificial intelligence. Turing argues that if a computer or robot is indistinguishable from a human to an independent human interrogator then the computer can be said to think...

1. October 1950

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UNIVAC unveiled

UNIVAC was a computer that was used for the U.S. Census and is also claimed to be the first commercially avaialble computer.

14. June 1951

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First Commercially available scientific computer released

IBM releases the first commericially available scientific computer. It was the IBM 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine.

7. April 1953

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McMurdo's Library is located On McMurdo Research Station

Not sure on the actual date of the library opening, but it carries a large compliment of books, CD's and a reading area. McMurdo station itself opened on this day.

1. December 1955

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Storm Center -- based on Ruth Brown case

Storm Center, a movie based on the firing of Ruth Brown came out. It addresses censorship and has a librarian in a lead role.

1. January 1956

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First professional librarian in Greenland

Hans Westermann helps establish public libraries in Greenland.

1. January 1956

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Better librarian potrayal in The Desk Set

The Desk Set portrays smart women and librarians teaching other librarians a thing or two. A sexy comedy.

1. January 1957

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Young Adult Services Division of ALA created

Young Adult Services Division (YASD) was formed to help promote and provide services to Young Adults. YASD created booklists for teens, provided professional support and networking for librarians working with Youth and sponsored conferences and journals..

1. June 1957

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First artificial sattelite launched

The Soviet Union launches Sputnik into orbit around the earth.

4. October 1957

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Depository Library Act

Federal Depository Library Program established through the Depository Library Act so that government publications could made more easily accessible to the public. It is a cooperative program between the US Federal government and libraries throughout...

1. January 1962

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ERIC is established as National Information system

Education Resource Information Center is created though the Institution of Education Science and United States department of Education. This database includes many full text articles.

1. January 1966

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Best of the Best Book list for Young Adults

(Young Adult Library Services Association) YALSA starts the Best of the Best book list for good reads for young adults.

1. September 1966

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National Library of Bhutan founded

Started originally to house many precious texts.

1. January 1967

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AACR published

Anglo-American Cataloging Rules were first published. These rules allow for consistent cataloging at a multitude of diverse institutions.

1. January 1967

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WorldCat, the largest OPAC created

WorldCat was founded by Fred Kilgore.

5. July 1967

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OCLC first meeting

Originally named the Ohio College Library Center, OCLC, was created to share information between libraries though a shared, computerised network. The aim was to help researchers find materials more easily

5. July 1967

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Office for Intellectual Freedom established

Part of the American Library Association (ALA), the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), supports free and open access to information and libraries. The OIF receives reports on attempt to ban information and books at libraries throughout the country...

1. December 1967

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National Library of Brunei founded

Called Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Library, it originally was a reference-only collection.

29. September 1968

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Unix operating system developed

Unix operating system developed at Bell Labs by several AT&T employees including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas MCIlroy, Michael Lesk and Joe Ossanna. UNIX is multitasking and multiuser...

1. January 1969

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ARPANET network first message sent

The forerunner for today's Internet, The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the first packet switching system. The project was funded through the Department of Defense. ARAPANET connected several institutes of higher learning...

29. October 1969

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MARC Pilot Project Concluded

Machine Readable Cataloging project led by Henriette Avram at the Library of Congress concluded. This project would allow libraries to share information easily using computers.

1. September 1970

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First floppy disk introduced

A team of engineers at IBM developed an 8 inch floppy drive for storing computer data. Alan Shugart led this team. Initial capacity was 100K bytes.

1. January 1971

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Stonewall Book Award

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Round Table of the ALA creates the Stonewall Book award to honor excellence in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) literature.

1. January 1971

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National Library of the Dominican Republc inaugurated

Known officially as the Pedro Henriquez Urena National Library.

28. February 1971

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Project Gutenberg is begun

Michael Hart begins Project Gutenberg and creates the idea of eBooks. The goal of the project is to make as many public domain texts accessible in open digital formats. It is often considered the first fully digital library...

1. July 1971

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First Online Cataloging

Alden Library at Ohio University was the first library to catalog their collection online using the OCLC network. They are the first library to catalog their items online anywhere in the world and started with 133 items. (http://www.oclc...

26. August 1971

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Texas Fashion Collection established

Consisting of over 15,000 that were originally collected as long ago as 1938, the Texas Fashion Collection is housed at the University of North Texas. The collection is a hybrid one, with physical and increasing number of digital representations of the...

1. January 1972

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National Library of Bangladesh

While the library can trace its roots back farther, the current, modern version of this library started on this day, after Independence.

11. June 1972

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Microsoft founded

Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

4. April 1975

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National Library of Benin founded

27. November 1975

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Apple Computers established

Apple computers started as a kit computer that lacked many features, including a monitor. Started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

1. April 1976

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Paul Simon performs to support New York Public Library

Paul Simon and Phoebe Snow perform a concert to benefit the New York Public Library.

3. May 1977

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FOLUSA created

Friends of the Library U.S.A. was created to track and maintain information about the various Friends of the Library groups supporting libraries throughout the country.

1. January 1979

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First Banned Books Week Celebrated

Banned Books Week, sponsored by the American Library Association, brings to public attention the amount of censorship that still takes place in the United States. Banned Books Week attempts to address the harmful results of censorship. Read more.

28. September 1982

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Dynix installed as first electronic card catalog

Dynix, a software company, created an electronic card catalog that eventually became one of the most popular library software ever during the nineties.

1. January 1983

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GNU Project Announced

The GNU project aims to promote open-source and free software as an alternative to non-free software. GNU was founded by Richard Stallman who also wrote the General Public License for free software distribution.

27. September 1983

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OCLC aquires Dewey Decimal System Copyright

Online Computer Library Center, (OCLC) aquired the copyright to the Dewey Decimal System and along with the Library of Congress maintains and updates.

1. January 1988

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Conan the Librarian

In Weird Al Yankovic's movie, UHF, there is a short segment featuring "Conan the Librarian."

1. January 1989

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First internet communication

Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Calliou sent the first hypertext protocol transfer via server the internet on this day.

25. December 1990

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Linux announced

Linux, a free operating system based on Unix, was developed by Linus Torvolds. Many servers run Linux and some libraries use versions of Linux on their staff computers.

25. August 1991

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YASD changes its name to YALSA

The Young Adult Services Division (YASD) changed its name to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The rebranding of the American Library Association (ALA) division allowed YALSA to move towards a more dynamic role in promoting teen...

1. January 1992

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UNESCO establishes Memory of the World Programme

Memory of the World Programme strives to document, facilitate preservation and digital access to various items of historical and cultural significance throughout the world. Documents are digitally preserved and awareness of items is promoted throughout...

1. January 1992

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National and University Library of Bosnian and Herzegovnia destroyed

Library was completely destroyed during the Seige of Sarajevo by Serbians. The library burned and lost many volumes including over 150,000 rare books. Several citizens attempted to save books.

25. August 1992

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QR Code invented

Originally used to track vehicles for Toyota. Scans differently than a bar code.

1. January 1994

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World Wide Web Consortium Founded

The World Wide Web Consortium was founded by Tim Berners-Lee in order to help promote web standards and quality throughout the internet. http://www.w3.org/

1. January 1994

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National Digital Library Program kicks off

Library of Congress establishes the National Digital Library Program. The initial emphasis was on the American Memory historical collection. The library has worked collaboratively to digitize many objects of historical significance to make them...

13. October 1994

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Institute of Museums and Library Services created

IMLS was created by the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996. It is the main source of federal funding for museums and libraries throughout the U.S.

1. January 1996

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Internet Archive Created

The Internet Archive exists to preserve "born digital" content in an archival fashion. visit site

1. January 1996

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Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Smart, unflappable and teen rebel, Rupert Giles is one cool librarian. Seen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

10. March 1997

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Computer beats chess master

Gary Kasperov, a world chess champion, loses to IBM's Deep Blue computer in a chess match. This is the first time a computer beats a human at chess.

11. May 1997

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First dedicated eReader

NuvoMedia's Rocket eBook was released this year. It had 4MB of memory, could annotate and take notes. It was only PC compatible (1).

1. January 1998

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Google incorporated

Google founded. Google is one of the most popular search engines which counts how often pages refer to one another, creating a "Pagerank". The project has its beginnings with a research project by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

4. September 1998

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Kitengesa library built in Uganda

Friends of African Village Libraries helped build and manage this library in Uganda.

1. January 1999

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MARC 21 created

MARC 21 is the result of the blending of American and Canadian MARC record formats.

1. January 1999

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National Library of Cape Verde founded

1. January 1999

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USA.gov is created

USA.gov went online for the first time on this day. USA.gov, first known as FirstGov.gov, is an online directory of U.S. Government websites. It was federally mandated in 2002 as part of the E Government Act of 2002. Source: http://www.usa.gov/About...

22. September 2000

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CIPA enacted

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted in order to protect children from viewing inappropriate content on the Internet. Schools and Libraries receiving Federal Funding for Online technologies must ensure that filters are in place...

21. December 2000

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Friends of African Village Libraries established

Friends of African Village Libraries (FAVL) was "founded with the mission of establishing and supporting village libraries in Africa" (from brochure) It is headquartered in the US, but there are local headquarters in each country they serve.

1. January 2001

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Lirael: Main character librarian

In Garth Nix's fantasy story, Lirael, the eponymous character is a librarian who finds the secrets to herself in the books.

1. January 2001

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Bereba library built in Burkino Fasso

The Friends of African Village Libraries helped build and manage this library.

1. January 2001

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Wikipedia launches on its own domain

Sometimes called "Wikipedia Day" by the many users of Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia can be edited by anyone, anywhere at any time.

15. January 2001

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Amelia Bloomer Project Booklist

The Amelia Bloomer Project Booklist selects books for children and young adults that portray women and girls in a feminist light. The Amelia Bloomer Project is part of the Feminist Task Force on the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the ALA...

1. September 2001

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iPod release announced

Apple announces the upcoming release of the iPod.

23. October 2001

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Librarian Action Figure produced

Archie McPhee produces a librarian action figure based on Nancy Pearl. See more here.

1. January 2003

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African Virtual University Launched

The African Virtual University (AVU) was originally a project of the World Bank from 1997 to 2002. It is now an independent, intergovernmental project that aims to increase access to higher education for Africans.

1. January 2003

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Library at Basra burns, many books saved

With talk of war looming, chief librarian Alia Muhammad Baker with the help of friends, manage to save 70% of the library's collection before the Central Library is burned down during the invasion of Iraq. Read more here. Source: Winter, J. (2005)...

15. April 2003

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Music industry announces plans to fight Internet piracy

The music recording industry unveils plans to fight Internet music piracy by suing those who illegally downloaded pirated music.

25. June 2003

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StoryCorps project begins

The StoryCorps project began by opening a booth for recording personal stories in Grand Central Terminal, New York. Participants interview one another and record their own personal stories. Conversations are preserved at the American Folk Life Center...

1. October 2003

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ARTstor digital art database incorporates

ARTstor, the digital art database for Nonprofit organizations, incorporated as a non-profit organization, separate from its founding entity, the Mellon Foundation.

1. January 2004

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Google Books project begins

Google Books project begins with company's desire to digitize as many books as possible to make them searchable online.

1. January 2004

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Hakia founded

Semantic search engine, hakia is founded by Dr. Riza C Berkan. see website

1. January 2004

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Sumbrungu library built in Ghana

Friends of African Village Libraries helped build and manage this library.

1. January 2004

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Facebook started

Social networking site is started by Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughs. Originally, the site was meant for Harvard students, but it gradually expanded to other schools and then to everyone over age 13.

1. February 2004

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Library and Archives Canada

Combined 2 Canadian institutions to preserve the cultural history of Canada.

22. April 2004

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Open Content Alliance created

This is a nonprofit, collaborative group of various types of organizations throughout the world with the goal of digitizing text and making it available through search engines and the Internet Archive Website...

1. January 2005

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African Library Project Founded

Chris Bradshaw and family started this non-profit organization to help open libraries and donate books to libraries in Africa.

1. January 2005

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Cybils book awards created

Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Awards (the Cybils) created by bloggers to allow anyone to nominate good books with "kid appeal" which the panellists will read and vote on for the final list...

1. January 2006

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Twitter created

Twitter was created as a microblogging platform by Jack Dorsey.

21. March 2006

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Henriette Avram dies

Henriette Avram is considered a librarian by achievement by the American Library Association. She revolutionized libraries by moving them from print or analog only collections to digitized information-driven organizations.

22. April 2006

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RLG merges with OCLC

Research Libraries Group (RLG) merges with OCLC to combine their programs.

3. May 2006

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Mvumi library built in Tanzania

Friends of African Village Libraries helped build and manage this library.

1. January 2007

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Apple and EMI Records drop DRM

DRM (digital rights management) software discontinued on iTunes. Now items purchased through iTunes could be played on 3rd party items (not just Apple approved equipment).

2. April 2007

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Uganda Community Libraries Association founded

In order to help Ugandans increase literacy rates and become life-long readers.

1. July 2007

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Europeana created

This is a digital project to provide access to digital collections in various formats that have been created in Europe. click here

1. July 2007

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Apple App Store opens

Apple opens the App store--revolutionising the way that people use the web.

1. July 2008

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FOLUSA merges with ALTA

Friends of the Library USA (FOLUSA) merges with the Association of Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA) to form the Association of Library Trustees. Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF)...

1. February 2009

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UNESCO launches World Digital Library

UNESCO in partnership with the Library of Congress launch the World Digital Library (WDL)

21. April 2009

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Internet Public Library 2 launched

The Internet Public Library version 2 (ipl2) combines the efforts of the original Internet Public Library and the Librarians Internet Index in order to provide quality information on the internet...

1. January 2010

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Deadline for FCC broadband plan

In 2009 Congress required the Federal Communications Comission ( FCC) to develop a plan for providing access to broadband to all Americans.

17. February 2010

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Library of Congress aquires Twitter archives

Library of Congress archives tweets from Twitter starting from its beginnings in March 2006. There are over 50 million tweets every day.

14. April 2010

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RDA released

Resource Description and Action (RDA) cataloging rules released. These are meant to replace AARCR2 standards.

1. June 2010

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First Digital Learning Day

A celebration of educators who help bring integrative technologies into the classroom. Country wide event.

1. February 2012

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Quantum Router

A quantum router is demonstrated. Will use photons to transmit information that can help create a quantum internet. Routing quantum information is difficult because when an event is read, it is also destroyed...

3. August 2012

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Public library book turned in 78 years overdue

During the Chicago Public Library's Once in a Blue Moon amnesty week, a rare edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde was turned in 78 years overdue. Patrons returned more than 100,000 items during this amnesty period.

13. September 2012

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