A history of the Birmingham University library

Recounts the origins of Birmingham University in Mason College, and the early development of its library under William Henry Cope. The growth of collections, particularly by donations from Thomas Pretious Heslop and the services based on them into the early twentieth century are discussed. The importance of the appointment of Charles Grant Robertson as Vice‐Principal is examined and the growth of the collections described, as is the further service development under Fenwick Mills and Wilfred Bonser. The continuing development of the collections and opening of a new library building in 1960 are discussed in a review of the history of the library and its services into the modern period.