Edwin Hatfield Anderson (September 27, 1861[2] – April 29, 1947[3]) was a prominent American library leader during the first third of the 20th century, serving as director of both the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the New York Public Library. He also served as the president of the American Library Association in 1913-14.

Edwin Hatfield Anderson
President of the American Library Association
In office
1913–1914
Preceded byHenry Eduard Legler
Succeeded byHiller Crowell Wellman
Personal details
Born(1861-09-27)September 27, 1861
Zionsville, Indiana, US
DiedApril 29, 1947(1947-04-29) (aged 85)
Evanston, Illinois, US[1]
NationalityAmerican
OccupationLibrarian

Biography

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Anderson was born in Zionsville, Indiana. He graduated from Wabash College in 1883, receiving his master's degree (A.M.) in 1887.[4] Anderson worked with Andrew Carnegie to create the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895,[5] and served as the director of that library until 1904, when he stepped down because he could not afford to support his family on the salary.[6] After a two-year stint (1906–08) as the head of the New York State Library and Library School, Anderson became the director of the New York Public Library in 1909, a position he held until 1934.[7]

As a library leader, Anderson was best remembered for the librarian education programs he established in both Pittsburgh[8] and New York City.[9]

Anderson was married, with at least two children, daughters Charlotte[10] and Cecile.[11] He died in Evanston, Illinois.[12]

References

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  1. ^ Ancestry.com. Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, US: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
  2. ^ Library Journal, 1951 Mar 15, pg 466
  3. ^ New York Times, 1947 May 2, pg 20
  4. ^   "Anderson, Edwin Hatfield". The Biographical Dictionary of America. Vol. 1. 1906. p. 108.
  5. ^ Library Journal, 1951 Mar 15, pg 466
  6. ^ "(Letter): Andrew Carnegie to Edwin H. Anderson, December 3, 1904". Carnegie Mellon University: Andrew Carnegie Online Archives. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  7. ^ Library Journal, 1951 Mar 15, pg 466
  8. ^ Library Journal, 1951 Mar 15, pg 466
  9. ^ New York Times, 1947 May 2, pg 20
  10. ^ New York Times, 1928 Aug 26, pg 39
  11. ^ New York Times, 1934 Oct 14, pg N4
  12. ^ New York Times, 1947 May 2, pg 20
Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by President of the American Library Association
1913–1914
Succeeded by