Libraries and Media Services, Records

Selected Libraries and Media Services milestones, events, and facts, compiled by Barbara Bass

• The library for Kent State Normal School opened on May 19, 1913 in Merrill Hall.
• Margaret Dunbar appointed first Head Librarian (1913-1943).
• Library moved to Administration Building, fall 1914.
• Library moved to Rockwell Hall in 1929.
• John B. Nicholson, Jr. appointed Head Librarian (1945-1966).
• Cataloging Department established in 1945 at John B. Nicholson's suggestion. Cataloging was performed by individual librarians before that.
• Audio Visual Services developed in the 1940's.
• Addition to Rockwell Hall completed in summer 1958.
• Kent State University was named as a depository for governmnent documents by Senator Lausche of Ohio, March, 1962.
• Library publication The Serif began in 1964.
• Head Librarian's title changed to "Director," 1964.
• All but three non-professional employees on contract became civil service employees, 1965.
• Bibliographic and Information Center instituted, 1965. Later incorporated into the Reference Department.
• Hyman W. Kritzer appointed Director (1966-1983).
• Library changed from Dewey Decimal Classification System to Library of Congress, and on July 1, 1967 the reclassification of Dewy books began.
• Government Documents physically separated from the main collection, 1966-1967.
• Charles E. Boeson bookstore of Detroit, Mich. purchased, acquiring almost 20,000 American and English literature, American history, and bibliography volumes, January 1968.
• Gilman Bookstore, Crompond, New York, purchased, Spring 1968.
• Special Collections began to organize department in 1967-68.
• Serials Department in Technical Services established in 1968.
• 500,000th volume added, June 1968.
• Electric coin operated typewriters removed from main library after thefts and damage done to them, 1968-1969.
• New 12-story library opened summer 1970.
• University Archives designated as an American History Research Network center in 1970.
• Following shootings on May 4, 1970 and subsequent Kent campus closing, Libraries establish alternative library centers on campus to provide library services, summer 1970.
• Library dedicated, April 9 and 10, 1971.
• OCLC online cataloging system utilized in 1971.
• University Archives formally established with Leslie Stegh appointed as the first University Archivist, April 1972.
• Became member of the Association of Research Libraries, February 1974.
• Accredited by the North Central Association, March 1974.
• 1 millionth volume added, April 30, 1974.
• Public typwriters made available, 1976-77.
• Audio Visual Services moved into the Library from the Education Building (White Hall) in 1977.
• Television Services became Teleproductions with merger of Rhetoric and Communications, Telecommunications and Television Services in 1981-82 . Its first televised production to air nationally on PBS, 1982-83.
• University Administration moved into the second floor of the library, 1983.
• Don L. Tolliver appointed Director, (1984-2000).
• NOTIS online cataloging system set up in 1987.
• Barcoding project completed, 1987-1988.
• Government Documents' 25th anniversary, September 21, 1987.
• PIAS integrated the microform center with periodical collection, 1990.
• Dewy Decimal reclassification project completed, March 15, 1991.
• Regional Library Depository (at NEOUCOM, Rootstown) opened, November 19, 1992.
• Electronic classroom, located in Audio Visual Services opened, 1993.
• III (Kentlink) online cataloging system set up in 1994.
• Becomes an official member of the OhioLINK consortium, 1994.
• Special Collections celebrates 25th anniversary, 1996.
• Moulton Hall Learning Technology Center opened, 1996.
• First Office Olympics held, 1996.
• 2 millionth volume added, April 1998.
• Mark W. Weber, appointed Dean (2001-present).
• Cafe proposed for library, 2001.
• Use of book pockets and date slips ceased, September 2001. Printed receipts used instead.
• Information Commons, including a new Student Multimedia Studio, grand opening, September 25, 2003.
  
  
• Branch libraries:

  Science Library established in 1940's in McGilvrey Hall, later changed to Chemistry and Physics Libraries which were separate libraries. The Chemistry Library moved into Williams Hall in 1968 and later was joined by the Physics Library to become the Chemistry/Physics Library.

  Architecture Library established in April 1967 and was merged with Urban Studies Library from Lowry Hall which was established September, 1969 and moved to Taylor Hall in August 1971.

  June F. Mohler Fashion Library established in Rockwell Hall in 1997.

  Map Library established in McGilvrey Hall in 1968.

  Math Library established in Merrill Hall, spring 1969.

  Music Library established in the Music and Speech Building in 1966.

  Psychology Library established April 1971 in Kent Hall; later discontinued.