Records of the Office of the Librarian IV

Collection

Identifier: CPP 13/013-01

Scope and Contents

This small collection of material documents the operation of the Library from 1883 to 1901. Not all years are represented. It includes correspondence received by the Librarian, Charles Perry Fisher, in 1883; a record of books circulated from 1887 to 1909; and cash book listing donors and the donation amount for the Library's special fund for books, dating from 1899 to 1901.

These items were previously catalogued singly as 10d 58, 10d 59, and 10d 72.

Dates

1999

Creator

College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Library (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Office of the Librarian of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was established in 1854. Before 1851, the chairman of the Library Committee was responsible for the administration of the Library, and from 1851 to 1854, the Secretary of the College acted as librarian. In 1863, the Librarian became an officer of the College, and the by-laws of this year established his official duties: the "preservation, arrangement and cataloguing of the books belonging to the Library of the College". This position was part-time; the Librarian was required to be present in the Library for an hour before each meeting and an additional hour each week.

A major change in the Library's administration occurred in 1882. At this time, two new positions, "Honorary Librarian" and "Assistant Librarian" were created. The Honorary Librarian served as an "ex officio" member of the Library Committee and was responsible for the Library's funds and employees. The Assistant Librarian, who worked full-time and did not have to be a Fellow of the College, was responsible for the daily administration of the Library. His other duties included acting as secretary of the Library Committee and keeping records of all books purchased or donated to the Library. In the 1914 by-laws, the title of Assistant Librarian was changed to Librarian. Also in 1914, the Librarian became the "Superintendent of the College building". This responsibility was omitted from the 1925 by-laws, and by 1935, the by-laws were again amended to state that the Librarian "shall keep a record of all acquisitions of the Library, with the names of the donors".

A new position, Curator of the Historical Collections of the Library, was added to the staff in 1953. In 1982, the title of"Librarian" was changed to "Director of the Library." In 1990, the responsibilities of the Director of the Library were divided between the Director of the Library for Public Services and the Director of the Library for Historical Services.

In 1997, governance voted to officially make the Library an historical library, deemphasizing modern reference and transferring most of those activities to the Consumer Health Information Center, established in 1995. The Director of the Library was in charge of the historical collections, with Public Services in charge of modem reference. In July 2001 the Director's position became that of College Librarian, with the added title of Director of the Francis C. Wood Institute for the History of Medicine. While the Library continued to acquire and save consumer health material and some other current material, the College Librarian's principle duty was the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the historical collection.

Extent

.2 Linear feet (1 half-document box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Office of the Librarian of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was established in 1854. In 1997, governance voted to officially make the Library an historical library. The Director of the Library was in charge of the historical collections, with Public Services in charge of modem reference. In July 2001 the Director's position became that of College Librarian, with the added title of Director of the Francis C. Wood Institute for the History of Medicine. While the Library continued to acquire and save consumer health material and some other current material, the College Librarian's principle duty was the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the historical collection.

This small collection of material documents the operation of the Library from 1883 to 1901. Not all years are represented. It includes correspondence received by the Librarian, Charles Perry Fisher, in 1883; a record of books circulated from 1887 to 1909; and cash book listing donors and the donation amount for the Library's special fund for books, dating from 1899 to 1901.