New in this first annual report, the John Crerar Library outlines a science‑minded, freely accessible reference collection.
It chronicles the library’s founding era, its organizational decisions, and the early steps toward a permanent, financially sustainable institution in Chicago.
The report details plans for a library of science with departments in social science, architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, astronomy, and essential reference works. It explains the temporary quarters, the appointment of a librarian, and efforts to avoid unnecessary duplication with other libraries. It also covers fundraising, endowment, and the legal framework shaping governance and budget.
- Founding goals and the scope of a free reference library of science.
- Financial policy, endowment management, and year‑end accountability.
- Staffing steps, cataloging plans, and temporary quarters in Chicago.
- Collaborations and conferences with other major libraries for policy alignment.
Ideal for readers of library history, philanthropy in the Gilded Age, and 1890s Chicago civic culture.