The Rutherford Humanities, Social Sciences + Education Library is the first free-standing

University of Alberta The University of Alberta (also known as U of A or UAlberta, ) is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta, and Henry Marshall Tory, t ...

library, opened May 15, 1951, and named after the founder of the university, and long-time chancellor, Alexander Cameron Rutherford.

Overview

Rutherford Library was officially opened in a ceremony on May 15, 1951, in which former university president R.C. Wallace paid tribute to his former friend and colleague. The initial library inventory included most of Alexander Cameron Rutherford's personal book collection, of over 8000 volumes, with some select books having been gifted to Queen's University.

History

The plans for Rutherford Library were drawn up from 1948 to 1951, and included features that would make the new library one of the best in Canada. Durable building materials were specified, including all oak trim and doors, combined with marble floors and staircases with brass railings. As there was no previous free-standing library on campus, for over 5000 students, other than a reading room arrangement, the addition was welcomed by students and staff alike, heralding a new era for the university.

Rutherford North

A new wing of the library was officially opened on September 27, 1974, by Mrs. Hazel McCuaig (Hazel Elizabeth Rutherford) and designated "Rutherford North". The distinctive brickwork of Rutherford North was designed by the architectural firm of Minsos, Vaitkunas and Jamieson in conformance with the structure of the original Rutherford Library. The Rutherford North design encapsulates and encloses the north face of the original building in a large open space. The new brick motif of Rutherford North was named "Rutherford Autumn Leaf" and registered in the building industry.

Partnerships and collaboration

The University of Alberta Library is a member of the

Association of Research Libraries The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 125 research library at comprehensive, research institutions in Canada and the United States. ARL member libraries make up a large portion of the academic and research li ...

Canadian Association of Research Libraries The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) was established in 1976 and brings together thirty-one research libraries. Twenty-nine members are university libraries, plus Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and the National Research Counci ...

, and is a contributor to the Open Content Alliance.

References

* "A Gentleman of Strathcona – Alexander Cameron Rutherford", Douglas R. Babcock, 1989, The

University of Calgary {{Infobox university , name = University of Calgary , image = University of Calgary coat of arms without motto scroll.svg , image_size = 150px , caption = Coat of arms , former ...

Press, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,

External links

Rutherford Library Location
{{Authority control Libraries in Edmonton Research libraries in Canada Academic libraries in Canada University of Alberta buildings Library buildings completed in 1951 University and college buildings completed in 1951 1951 establishments in Alberta Libraries established in 1951