E.W.B. Nicholson (1849-1912) and his importance to librarianship

Thesis

E.W.B. Nicholson was librarian of the London Institution from 1873 to 1882, and Bodley's Librarian from 1882 to 19123; he was primarily responsible for the foundation of the Library Association of the United Kingdom in 1877. This thesis is intended as an assessment of Nicholson's contributions to librarianship. The large amount of source material available makes it possible to examine Nicholson's work in considerable depth.

His role in initiating the first International Conference of Librarians is shown, and his work for various Library Association committees. He was the main force behind the Metropolitan Free Libraries Association, despite many setbacks, and he drafted a Public Libraries Bill. The latter caused controversy amongst provincial librarians, who nearly seceded from the Library Association. Nicholson became disillusioned with the Library Association's seeming failure to cope with librarianship matters, and after many disagreements resigned in 1883.

Nicholson's appointment to the Bodleian was unpopular and leid the foundations of future opposition. His senior assistant, Falconer Madan, came to believe Nicholson was insane, and refused to co-operate in any way. Several Bodleian Curators opposed Nicholson at every opportunity, which only made him more determined to resist them.

Nicholson's Bodleian work is considered according to categories: financial administration, staffing, accommodation, cataloguing and classification, acquisitions policy, and Nicholson's administrative abilities. His achievements included: a cataloguing code and classification scheme, an underground bookstore and new reading rooms, securing increased funds, the employment of boys and women, and a vast increase in the number of accessions. Finally, Nicholson's illness and subsequent decline are dealt with. Nicholson's achievements were notable, but his career was marred by his contentious character.

Authors: Manley, KA

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-j2mxaej94
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Library science; E.W.B. Nicholson; Bodley's Librarian; Nicholson; librarianship; Bodleian Library; Edward Nicholson; librarians
• Subjects: Library science -- Great Britain; Bodleian Library -- History -- 20th century; Nicholson, Edward Williams Byron, 1849-1912; Librarians -- Great Britain -- Biography; Bodleian Library -- History -- 19th century