World History
Libraries, like most educational institutions, often have to engage in fund raising to raise money to either continue operations or to enhance services. This development work may take many forms. However, how about the raid and plunder approach?
Bobinski (1994) wrote that the first recorded instance of library philanthropy goes back to Roman history. It can be traced to 39 B.C. In that year, Gaius Asinius Pollio built the first known public library in history by the Forum in Rome. The bequest was entirely funded by Pollio's defeat and plunder of the Parthini in Illyria!
I can not be certain that this is the first true public library. I am not convinced that this was the first library primarily funded by war, loot, and plunder either. After all, Wikipedia notes another form of questionable library collection development from about the same time, "Mark Antony was supposed to have given Cleopatra over 200,000 scrolls for the Library of Alexandria as a wedding gift. These scrolls were taken from the great Library of Pergamum, decimating its collection." Anthony was probably not the first to help build a library in this manner.
I guess I can not judge Gaius Asinius Pollio too harshly. There are thousands of examples of looting, conquest, and plunder in the ancient world. How much of this ill gained treasure went into funding libraries? Very little I guess so I will give Gaius Asinius Pollio some credit for library philanthropy.
Reference
Bobinski, G.S. (1994). Library philanthropy. In W.A Wiegand and D.G. Davis (Eds.), Encyclopedia of library history. New York: Garland Publishing.
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World History
Loot, Plunder, and a New Public Library
Libraries, like most educational institutions, often have to engage in fund raising to raise money to either continue operations or to enhance services. This development work may take many forms. However, how about the raid and plunder approach?
Bobinski (1994) wrote that the first recorded instance of library philanthropy goes back to Roman history. It can be traced to 39 B.C. In that year, Gaius Asinius Pollio built the first known public library in history by the Forum in Rome. The bequest was entirely funded by Pollio's defeat and plunder of the Parthini in Illyria!
I can not be certain that this is the first true public library. I am not convinced that this was the first library primarily funded by war, loot, and plunder either. After all, Wikipedia notes another form of questionable library collection development from about the same time, "Mark Antony was supposed to have given Cleopatra over 200,000 scrolls for the Library of Alexandria as a wedding gift. These scrolls were taken from the great Library of Pergamum, decimating its collection." Anthony was probably not the first to help build a library in this manner.
I guess I can not judge Gaius Asinius Pollio too harshly. There are thousands of examples of looting, conquest, and plunder in the ancient world. How much of this ill gained treasure went into funding libraries? Very little I guess so I will give Gaius Asinius Pollio some credit for library philanthropy.
Reference
Bobinski, G.S. (1994). Library philanthropy. In W.A Wiegand and D.G. Davis (Eds.), Encyclopedia of library history. New York: Garland Publishing.
- Us Library Of Congress - Global Gateway: Islamic Manuscripts From Mali Collection
US Library of Congress - Global Gateway: Islamic Manuscripts from Mali Collection - This site features 22 manuscripts from the Mamma Haidara Commemorative Library and the Library of Cheick Zayni Baye of Boujbeha, both in Timbuktu, Mali. One example is...
- History At Library Reference Search
History at Library Reference Search. I found an excellent Web directory that I like. Library Reference Search is well done and has tons of quality sites listed. The history categories are vast. Here are a few example categories: United States History...
- Library Of Congress Launches Twitter Feed
The Library of Congress is sharing ideas on Twitter. You can follow the library by typing in the Twitter search box, @TeachingLC. According to the Library, their twitter feed will be a "great venue for educators to learn from each other and...
- Ancient Manuscripts From The Desert Libraries Of Timbuktu
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