A Study on the Origin of the Göttingen University Library: the forerunner of modern academic libraries (II) (III)

Abstract

(II)-In: Vol. 90. pp. 68-71
Third chapter describes the situations in the Leipzig, Halle and Jena University Libraries which were influential models for the Göttingen University Library.
At the time of the foundation of Göttingen University, every effort was made to take in the very best things about the existing universities such as those three flourishing then with a view to create a most modern university. Though the above three universities were regarded as the most extensive and important in Germany, by the first half of the 18th century, Jena University reached the pinnacle of its fame through its modernization based on the polyhistoric current.
A representative example of modernization in Jena was the university library. There was an attempt at transforming that old style deposit-type library to a new one to provide facility to readers like “professors and students”. Activities such as giving a lecture on the use of library were also carried out at the same time. By and by Jena University has earned the reputation of being a university with highest scientific standard and equipped with the best library in Germany. On the other hand, academic development of Halle University and Leipzig University was disturbed due to theological polemics and the neglect of library.

(III)-In: this volume
Fourth chapter explains how the Göttingen University Library was founded under the influence of many polyhistoric counsellors including professors at Jena, Halle and Leipzig Universities and others. Also mentioned there is the process of development starting from the second half of the 18th century and continuing till the 19th century which started by following the example of the Jena University Library and in due course overtaking it to become the best and ideal library in the whole of Europe praised for being “Wahres Muster für alle ähnliche öffentliche Bibliothek”.
The characteristics to take note of at the time of its foundation are as follows:
1) From the very beginning an epoch-making importance was attached to the library in the academic life of the new university just as the library played a crucial part in the polyhistoric life-style.
2) The idea of modern university and university library was adopted and codified at the opening of the Göttingen University.
3) This library was opened not only for the professors and students of the university, but also for all intellectuals including officials and teachers.

In the 19th century other university libraries were also reformed in Germany after the Göttingen University Library by referring to its regulations or to what was learned through the visits there. As a result, all the modern university library systems have come to be based on the above three principles set out by the Göttingen University Library.