The meaning of the library

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From Greek and Roman times to the digital era, the library has remained central to knowledge, scholarship, and imagination. Generously illustrated, this examination of the library as a key institution of Western culture traces its significance from its beginnings, how it has evolved, and its importance in the twenty-first century. Significant contributors, including the librarian of the Congress and the former executive director of HathiTrust, present a cultural history of the library. Readers can relish accounts of the Alexandrian Library and the stylish railway libraries of nineteenth-century England, alongside a sparkling survey of libraries through time. The book also explores imagined libraries from fiction, poetry, and film, ranging from Scheherazade's tales to The Name of the Rose. An informative introduction by Alice Crawford outlines the book's purpose and scope, while an international array of scholars, librarians, writers, and critics offers vivid perspectives on the library. Contributors include David Allan, James Billington, Robert Crawford, and others. This landmark collection addresses the significance of both physical and virtual libraries in the past and present, appealing to readers, librarians, and anyone interested in this vital institution's heritage and ongoing legacy.