Libraries throughout time

The history of the library has been traced back to approximately 1200 BCE, with a palace library, temple library, and two private libraries excavated in Syria. From that time, libraries began popping up around the world at many locations such as Nineveh, Alexandria, in Catholic Monasteries across Medieval Europe, and gradually across the entirety of the globe. The Library of Alexandria in Egypt is certainly one of the most historically recognised and popular, partly due to the historical significance of its collection, and partly due to its untimely demise in a fire, leaving the collection a pile of collected ashes. The devastation that still carries through the years because of this tragedy echoes with the message of the importance of this kind of knowledge to the world. The fact that many libraries have been destroyed intentionally only serves to strengthen this belief in the power of knowledge and learning. Many people who sought throughout the years to control the people have feared the influence of the library, being an accessible pathway to knowledge. Knowledge is power, and power is freedom.

 

One of the biggest changes in the structure of the library from its early beginnings to its state today is the public accessibility of the collection, many libraries serving as public local libraries which are open to all members of the public, regardless of age, race, education or wealth. Rather than this supply of information serving as a divider to separate the elite from the common, the library serves as the great equaliser, the information being made available to all people of all backgrounds. The library encourages learning and serves to inspire people to improve their minds and stimulate critical thinking.

 

We are a long shot from what we once were and that is why, regardless of how some people fear for the future of the library, I am excited to be entering this great industry. To think that I am aligning myself with an industry which is just as passionate about encouraging learning and creativity is SO thrilling and I simply cannot wait to get started.