Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Library

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The Brigham Young University Library was established alongside the university in 1875, but all library holdings were destroyed in the 1884 fire.  From here, the growth of the library was slow—until a new library, originally called the Heber J. Grant Library, was established in 1925. It was renamed after J. Reuben Clark, Jr. and expanded in 1961. The library was then expanded further and renamed again as the Harold B. Lee Library in 1973. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the evolution of Brigham Young University’s library.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Library: A sample of the materials that contain information about the BYU library follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • LD 571 .B672 K58x Brigham Young University Library centennial history, 1875-1975 An exploration of the first one hundred years of Brigham Young University’s Library, including facilities, budget, staff, collections, reports, etc.
  • Z 669 .B75 A1 1972 vol.2 no.4 The early development of library service at Brigham Young University:  a fifty year history, 1875-1925 An exploration of evolution of the library system that occurred within the first fifty years of its creation.  Includes pictures of facilities, librarians, and students at the library.
  • UA 209 Meeting Minutes, 1917-1945 Includes minutes of the Library Committee. The Committee was chaired by Alice Reynolds, and included Sidney Sperry, Anna Ollerton, and the University President. Includes small tribute to Annie Gillespie and Alice Reynolds.
  • UA 549 Harold B. Lee Library records, 1954-1976 Includes files of the various departments within the library. Contains correspondence, reports, news clippings, publications, statistics and minutes. Also includes information concerning the J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Library and Brigham Young University Library.
  • MSS 2207 Harold B. Lee Library files, ca. 1955-1993 Collection contains files dealing with collection acquisitions for Brigham Young University Special Collections. Contains records for collection development; integrated library system; Alice Louise Reynolds and other collections; different library departments’ papers; library annual reports, 1955-1985; budgeting requests and records; insurance values reports; library policy and procedure manuals; and other miscellaneous papers.
  • 027.7792 D759s A survey of the library of Brigham Young University A broad survey taken in 1969 upon the invitation of Library Director Donald K. Nelson, with findings based upon interviews with individuals and groups at the university and documentation provided by library staff.  Survey findings are given in regards to recommendations, facilities, financial support, public services, personnel, student use, etc.
  • UA SC 61 Collected articles about the Harold B. Lee Library, 1991-1995 Collected articles concerning electronic advancements, services, donations, etc.
  • UA SC 52 Harold B. Lee Library 1995 reaccreditation self-study A study conducted in 1995, prepared by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, examining the state and role of the library, its organization, operation, facilities, collections,  and challenges.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of the Brigham Young University Library. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.