The development of Anderson Memorial library from 1974-1981.

Abstract

Although adequate histories of the Anderson Library exist covering its development as a part of The College of Emporia, no history exists for the first six years of the operation of Anderson Memorial Library since The College of Emporia became The Way College of Emporia in 1974. In the final years of The College of Emporia, Anderson Library had fallen into considerable disrepair and in fact, no longer served as the campus library. Since 1974, dramatic strides have been made to rebuild the collection and develop the library as a vital learning center for the campus. Anderson Memorial Library will continue to grow as a chief educational aid for The Way College of Emporia; and this study of the development of its collection and policies since 1974 will provide useful historical documentation and, in fact, describes the rescuing of a library. In gathering information for this thesis, weekly and monthly reports submitted by The Way Corps workers who administered the library in 1975 to 1981 were researched. Administrative files and minutes of library committee meetings were searched. Finally, a series of interviews with nineteen individuals was conducted to gain firsthand accounts of the library's development. This paper serves to consolidate all of these sources to serve as a concise history of this pivotal time of the library's history. Chapter two is a brief sketch of the historical background of Anderson Memorial Library while it was a part of The College of Emporia. Chapter three concerns three aspects of the library's organization: its governance, administration, and policies and procedures. Chapter four recounts the events of the renovation of the physical plant. Chapter five traces the growth of the book collection, and chapter six covers the instructional objectives and public relations of the library. The study is summarized in chapter seven.