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The 'lower classes are very hard readers': Kidderminster Municipal Library 1855-1856

  • Teresa A. Gerrard
    ,
  • Alexis Weedon
Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

Abstract

This article looks at the library borrowing records of Kidderminster Municipal Library at a time of economic decline in the main industry of the town — carpet weaving. It illustrates the limitations of the early libraries following the 1850 Public Libraries Act through a local study. It examines how the borrowing records recorded in a surviving issue book reflect trends in the popularity of reading materials and, in particular, growing interest in migration to London and emigration abroad.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 81

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Library and Information History (Volume 29, Issue 2)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/05/2013

Publication status

Published - 01/05/2013

ISSN

1758-3489

Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/594852
  • Scopus: 85107676093

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