How many stories do these walls hold? Welcome to the UCLA University Library. It is more than just a repository of books. It is a living testament to UCLA’s rich history. This library stands as one of the largest academic research libraries in North America. Its collection boasts over twelve million books. It also has 100000 serials.
The UCLA Library’s story began in 1883. This was just two years after the establishment of the California State Normal School. The library’s first acquisition was a survey of Wyoming and Idaho. Dr. Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden wrote it. Elizabeth Fargo became the university’s first librarian in 1910. By 1919, she managed the library with a staff of four.
In 1931, the Library had 24000 volumes. It was ranked 36th in the country by the Princeton Library Survey. John E. Goodwin succeeded Elizabeth Fargo in 1923. The library then held 42000 volumes. Goodwin planned the library’s expansion. He reclassified books to the Library of Congress Classification System. He also prevented the library from becoming a mere adjunct to UC Berkeley.
Goodwin oversaw the construction of the Main Library starting in 1929. This was after the university moved to Westwood. He also saw the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library bequeathed to UCLA in 1934. By Goodwin’s retirement in 1944, the library had 462000 volumes.
Lawrence Clark Powell replaced Goodwin in 1944. He initiated changes to elevate the UCLA library system. The central book stack was completed during his tenure. The library expanded its collections. It supported the growing academic research on campus. Powell became the founding Dean of the School of Library Service in 1959. He said the University Library’s stock increased. It grew from 285000 to 2000000 volumes.
Robert Vosper became University Librarian in 1961. Ground broke for the University Research Library in 1962. It is now the Charles E. Young Research Library. Completed in 1964, it became the administrative center for the UCLA Library system. By 1964, the Library ranked 11th nationally. It had over two million volumes.
Page Ackerman succeeded Vosper in 1973. She was the first woman to head a library system of this scale in the U.S. Ackerman developed the Library’s administrative network. This became a model for library management systems.
Since Ackerman’s retirement in 1977, the UCLA Library has grown. It has expanded its collections and facilities. Librarians like Russell Shank, Gloria Werner, Gary E. Strong, Virginia Steel, and Athena Jackson have led the way. Today, the library has over 8 million volumes. It has more than 78000 current serial titles. The UCLA Library preserves the history and culture of Los Angeles. Its video series showcases the region’s diverse communities.
The UCLA University Library is a dynamic place of books and learning. It preserves cultural heritage and makes knowledge accessible. It truly embodies the spirit of UCLA.