The Evolution of Knowledge: A History of Towson University's Albert S. Cook Library
Towson University's Albert S. Cook Library stands as a testament to the institution's growth and commitment to academic excellence. From its humble beginnings as a small collection of books to its current status as a dynamic hub for learning and research, the library's history reflects the evolving needs of the university and its students.
Early Days: Laying the Foundation (1866-1915)
When Towson University's predecessor, the Maryland State Normal School, first opened in 1866, the concept of a dedicated library was not yet a priority. However, as the institution grew, so did the need for a centralized collection of resources. By 1906, the library had expanded to over 4,000 volumes, signaling the growing importance of academic resources. In 1909, Mollie Walton Tarr, the school's secretary, was appointed as the first school librarian, marking the formal recognition of the library's role within the institution.
Establishing a Presence in Towson (1915-1957)
Following the school's relocation to Towson in 1915, the campus library found a home in Stephens Hall, sharing space with classrooms and administrative offices. This arrangement, while functional, highlighted the need for a dedicated space to accommodate the growing collection and the needs of students and faculty.
The period between 1918 and 1920 saw a succession of librarians, but the appointment of Mary L. Osborn in 1921 brought stability and growth to the library. During her tenure, which lasted until 1933, the library's collection expanded significantly from approximately 7,000 to 35,000 volumes. The library staff also grew, reflecting the increasing demands and complexity of managing a growing collection. In 1923, Osborne hired Gertrude Holt, who would later become the librarian in 1936.
Under Holt's leadership, the library staff began to specialize in different areas, such as Circulation, Reference, and Cataloging. This specialization reflected the professionalization of library services and the growing recognition of the diverse skill sets required to manage a modern academic library. The construction of a new Campus Model Elementary School in 1933, in what is now Van Bokkelen Hall, allowed for some expansion of the library's space. In 1938, a periodicals room was established on the second floor of the Administration Building, further expanding the library's capacity and allowing the book collection to reach 45,000 volumes. However, even this expansion proved insufficient to meet the growing needs of the college community.
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The First Dedicated Library Building (1957)
In 1947, Dorothy Reeder was hired as the librarian at what was then known as the State Teachers College at Towson. Recognizing the limitations of the existing space, Reeder spearheaded the effort to secure a dedicated library building. In 1957, a new library building opened behind Van Bokkelen Hall. The first Albert S. Cook Library could hold 100,000 volumes and seat 450. It had stacks, a reading room, a periodical room, a seminar room, a lecture room, a special collections room, and spaces for using such modern technologies as micro-film and micro-card readers, phonograph records, and typewriters.
Expansion and Growth (1969)
Almost as soon as it opened, the building was not large enough to handle the increase in enrollment as the post-war generation entered college. Head librarian Dorothy Reeder petitioned the State Board of Education for a new library building, but the request was denied due to the relatively recent construction of the current building. To get the funds for construction, Reeder instead proposed an expansion to the original building. In 1969 the expanded Albert S. Cook Library opened, with space for 600,000 volumes and 600 students. This “expansion” is the five-floor building that today holds the Albert S. Cook Library. The party was held Sept. 18 on the Cook Library patio. the 1960s. to the 1800s and the university’s origins as a teacher’s training school. known as president) office and allocated to faculty and staff. we now know as Albert S. Cook Library.
Photographs of the opening of the new Albert S. Cook Library in 1969 showcasing the circulation desk, reference desk, and the fountain.
Reeder stepped down from the Director position in 1970 to become the head of the College Archives, and was replaced by Thomas Strader. His tenure was one of extreme growth, both in the collection and in the services the library offered. By 1983, the collection boasted 850,000 items and seating for 1,500. The Media Resources department offered audio-visual equipment delivery and repair. The library also served as a depository for United States and Maryland Government Documents. Strader left in 1990, and Eleanore O. Hofstetter, a librarian at Towson since 1966 was appointed Acting Director.
Adapting to the Digital Age (2000s)
As technology advanced, the library’s role has changed. In 2006, substantial changes were made to the third floor. 170 computer workstations were put into place, and nine group study areas were created. While the book collection has been maintained at 580,000 items, online access to a multitude of electronic databases and books has flourished. Deborah Nolan, current Dean of University Libraries, has directed even more transformation within the library since her tenure began in 2006.
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Recent Developments and the Academic Commons (2009-Present)
In 2009, Towson University merged with the Baltimore Hebrew Institute (BHI). The Albert S. Cook Library took custody of the BHI collections, which currently reside on the second floor. Two major renovations occurred in 2009: the renovation of the Special Collections and University Archives space on the fifth floor and the addition of the Baltimore Hebrew Institute collection on the second floor. In 2016 a Graduate Reading Room was created on the second floor and is available for use only by graduate students of TU. Dean Nolan and Interim President Timothy Chandler along with the library’s A-LIST students and campus planners cut the ribbon for the new 24/7 study space on April 26, 2017.
In Spring 2022 the Cook Library began renovations on its main floor to support its transition into an “Academic Commons” where students can access multiple resources for academic support and wellbeing. The Commons will hold office space for the campus Writing Center, academic advising, tutoring, research, and more.
Special Collections and University Archives
The Towson University Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) has five primary collecting areas: Towson University history, Jewish Studies, Performing Arts, World War II, and the History of Education in Maryland. The SCUA collects materials regardless of format, including official university records, manuscript collections, rare books, artifacts, and digital materials[?] Digital Collections are collections that are available online. This includes images, scans of documents, photographs of objects, and audiovisual resources such as oral histories and videos. Not all SCUA items are available digitally, but many popular ones are. The SCUA is a distinctive and valuable research resource comprised principally of one-of-a-kind primary sources and historic materials that possess enduring value. The resource is open to all TU community members, as well as researchers around the world. In these historic archives, you may encounter words, images or other language used that were reflective of the tenor of our nation, and thus university, at that time in history. Those images may be disturbing and offensive, as they reflect the prejudice of the time.
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