The Evolution of the American Academic Library Building

As a consultant on the design of academic library buildings, David Kaser often wondered why certain libraries were designed as they were. Finding the answer to this question led him to visit over 600 libraries throughout the world, and to assemble information on over 1,500 structures. The results of his wide-ranging search are documented in this comprehensive book, which traces the architectural history of American academic libraries from the 1800s to the present. For selected buildings—those which the author considered typical of a specific era or environment—detailed information is provided, including a wealth of photographs, diagrams and charts. Other buildings are listed in the comprehensive appendix included in the book, along with their location and the date the library was first opened. From the ante-bellum buildings of the 1840s, to the modular buildings of the 1990s, The Evolution of the American Academic Library Building provides an interesting overview of the relationship between function and design—as well as librarian and architect—in the academic library.

David Kaser is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science at Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). Over the past 37 years, he has consulted on the design of more than 220 college and university library buildings throughout the world.