IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0372 SPL
Held at: Bishopsgate Institute
Title: Society of Public Librarians
Date(s): 1881-1930
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 3 volumes, 1 folder
Name of creator(s): Society of Public Librarians
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The Society of Public Librarians (SPL) was founded in 1895 to promote the interests and professional status of chief librarians in and around London. The Society held monthly meetings at which papers would be presented on matters of professional interest or debate, including cataloguing, public access to library shelves, the selection of books and so on. The group also hosted an annual outing every summer out of London to a historic or cultural landmark or educational institution, along with an annual dinner in the Holborn area of London. The Society, along with leading members Charles Goss, John Frowde, Frank Chennell, William Bridle and Edward Foskett, remained one of the main vehicles of opposition to open access within the public library, with debate channelled through the correspondence pages of newspapers and periodicals. The Society folded in 1930.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Papers of the Society of Public Librarians (1881-1930), including: minute books of the Society with photographs of annual outings, miscellaneous papers and correspondence, press cuttings and other material, 1895-1930: loose papers including circulars, press cuttings, correspondence and SPL publicity material, 1881-1930.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
No further arrangement required.
Conditions governing access:
Open
Conditions governing reproduction:
Documents cannot be photocopied at present. Digital photography (without flash) is permitted for research purposes on completion of the Library's Copyright Declaration form and with respect to current UK copyright law.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
Handlist available; ADLIB catalogue.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Accruals:
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
Deposited by the Bishopsgate Institute's former librarian, Charles Goss.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Related material:
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Archivist's note: Entry compiled by Stefan Dickers.
Date(s) of descriptions: 24 July 2006