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Dartmouth College Library

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Dartmouth College Library
NameDartmouth College Library
Established1769
LocationHanover, New Hampshire
Collection size~3.7 million volumes
DirectorDenise Anthony
Websitehttps://library.dartmouth.edu/

Dartmouth College Library is the library system of Dartmouth College, serving as a central academic resource for the Ivy League institution. Its origins are intertwined with the founding of the college itself in the late 18th century. The system has grown to encompass nine distinct locations, housing millions of volumes and unique archival materials that support the college's research and teaching missions. It is known for its innovative digital projects and its deep collections related to polar exploration, Native American studies, and American literature.

History

The library's history began with a foundational gift from its namesake, the Second Earl of Dartmouth William Legge, and the early collection was housed within Dartmouth Hall. A significant early figure was Rev. Bezaleel Woodward, who served as the first librarian. The collection suffered a major fire in 1904, which destroyed many early records and books. Its modern era was shaped by the construction of Baker-Berry Library in the 1920s, funded by George Fisher Baker, and later expansions including the iconic Baker Tower. Throughout the 20th century, it absorbed important collections such as the Dartmouth College Library#Collections|Robert Frost papers and materials from the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.

Collections

The system's holdings exceed 3.7 million volumes and include renowned special collections. The Rauner Special Collections Library holds priceless manuscripts, including the original Dartmouth College Charter, the papers of Dr. Seuss, and the archives of the Dartmouth College Library#Collections|Dartmouth Outing Club. The Feldberg Business & Engineering Library supports the Thayer School of Engineering and the Tuck School of Business. Distinctive collecting strengths encompass the Stefansson Collection on the Arctic, the Dartmouth College Library#Collections|Native American archives, and extensive holdings in Shakespeareana and the works of Daniel Webster.

Facilities

The central facility is the Baker-Berry Library, a complex that includes the historic Baker Memorial Library and the modern Berry Library addition, famous for its Orozco Room featuring the mural *The Epic of American Civilization* by José Clemente Orozco. Other major branches include the Dana Biomedical Library, the Paddock Music Library, and the Kresge Physical Sciences Library. The Jones Media Center provides access to audiovisual materials, while the Library Storage Facility in Lebanon, New Hampshire houses lesser-used items. Study spaces range from the grand Dartmouth College Library#Facilities|Sanborn Library to numerous collaborative workrooms.

Digital Initiatives and Special Projects

The library is a leader in digital scholarship, maintaining the Dartmouth Digital Library program. Major projects include the open-access repository Dartmouth Scholarship and the digitization of the complete Dartmouth College Library#Digital Initiatives and Special Projects|Dartmouth College Grant archives. It actively contributes to the Digital Public Library of America and hosts specialized digital collections such as *The French Revolution in Satirical Prints*. The Dartmouth College Library#Digital Initiatives and Special Projects|Book Arts Workshop and the Dartmouth College Library#Digital Initiatives and Special Projects|Digital Humanities team support innovative, technology-driven research across disciplines.

Governance and Administration

The library is led by the Dean of Libraries and Librarian of the College, a position held by Denise Anthony. It operates under the purview of the Provost of Dartmouth College and receives strategic guidance from the Dartmouth College Board of Trustees. Key administrative units include Collections, Research and Learning Services, and Digital by Design. The library collaborates closely with the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric and the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning. Funding derives from the Dartmouth College Endowment, annual college budgets, and gifts from organizations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

The library's distinctive architecture and interiors have featured in several films and television series. Baker Tower and the exterior of Baker-Berry Library appear in the comedy *Animal House*, which was inspired by fraternity life at Dartmouth. The Orozco Room is frequently depicted in documentaries about Mexican Muralism and has been referenced in works by art historians like Leonard Folgarait. The library's iconic Dartmouth College Library#In Popular Culture|Bookwheel in the Berry Main Street is a popular photographic subject and has been highlighted in publications such as *Architectural Digest*.

Category:Dartmouth College Category:University and college libraries in New Hampshire Category:Libraries established in 1769 Category:Buildings and structures in Hanover, New Hampshire