University of Michigan Library - History

History

The first volume purchased by the library was John James Audubon's Birds of America, acquired in 1838 for $970. That same year, Asa Gray, known as the "father of American botany" and the first faculty member of the university, was entrusted with a $5,000 budget to establish the first collection of books for the University Library. His decision to purchase materials from a broad array of disciplines helped establish the University Library's ongoing commitment to depth and breadth in every field of study.

Before the first separate library building was opened in 1883, books were kept in various locations around campus, including the law school and in professor's homes. Within twelve years this facility was deemed inadequate and a fire hazard. After two additions, in 1920 an entirely new building, what is now known as the north building of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library and designed by the architect Albert Kahn, was completed. In 1970, an eight-story addition was built, where much of the print collections are housed, along with the Library's administration offices, the Map Library, Special Collections, and Papyrology. In 1959 the Shapiro Undergraduate Library was built, with a policy of open access to the stacks for students. In years to come the principle of access to materials would become the standard and goal for all libraries and initiatives.