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BGSU University Library History 
When Bowling Green began as a teacher training institution in 1914, there were no buildings on the campus. Classes met at
the armory and a small library was housed in the basement of the Methodist Church. James Robert Overman, then an instructor
in mathematics, was in charge of the original group of books. From 1915 to 1927 the library consisted of a large room on the
third floor of the "new administrative building" which is today University Hall. Mabel E. Marshall was the librarian from
1919 through 1920.
In 1921, Ethel M. Blum became librarian and headed the library until 1938. During Ms. Blum's administration, contracts were
let for the construction of a new library (now McFall Center) which cost $275,000 and was equipped for $70,000. The library
was occupied in the fall of 1927 and was dedicated on November 19, 1927.
In 1943, Dr. Paul F. Leedy was appointed librarian and remained so until 1961. In 1951-1952, a small addition was built at
the back of the original library building to permit the construction of critically-neede stack space, office space and study
space.
Dr. A. Robert Rogers was appointed librarian from 1962-1968. During his tenure Bowling Green State University opened its new
$4.5 million library which was built with the expectation of enhancing the university's educational climate. The dedication
for this library was held on November 3 and 4, 1967.
At the time of dedication, the new library held approximately 500,000 books and government documents. The towering structure
was financed by a $3.4 million appropriation from the 1963 state bond issue and a $1.1 million federal grant. The library
was designed for a book capacity of 640,000 and a seating capacity of 2,300 persons.
Librarians/Deans of Libraries and Learning Resources
- Mabel Marshall, Librarian, 1919-1920
- Ethel M. Blum, 1921-1938
- Edwin Low, 1938-1940
- Kenneth Cameron, 1940-1941
- Dr. Frank C. Ogg (Acting Librarian), 1941-1943
- Dr. Paul F. Leedy, 1943-1961
- Dr. A. Robert Rogers, 1962-1968
- Dr. Richard Carpenter (Acting Librarian), 1968-1969
- Melville Spence, 1970-1977
- Julia Woods (Acting Librarian), 1977-1978
- Dr. Dwight F. Burlingame, Dean of Libraries & Learning Resources, 1978-1986
- Dr. Rush G. Miller, 1986-1994
- Dr. Dennis East (Acting Dean), 1994-1995
- Dr. Linda S. Dobb, 1995-1999
- Dr. Lorraine Haricombe, 2000-2006
- Dr. Thomas Atwood, 2007-
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