The Library
at Youngstown State University
Information for this brief overview came from several
sources, including library staff members and the following
publications:
"Dedication April 24, 1976, William F. Maag Jr.
Library, Youngstown, State University." The Youngstown Vindicator, April 18,
1976: Special Section (Rotogravure).
The Neon. Youngstown, Ohio: Youngstown State
University, 1931-1992.
Skardon, Alvin William. Steel Valley University: The
Origin Of Youngstown State. Youngstown, Ohio: Youngstown State University, 1983.
1930s
- 1931—Jones Hall opens. Space allocated on the fourth floor for college library.
- 1935—Ms. Constance Robinson appointed as first full-time librarian. $10,000 allocated for library materials. Library houses
4,387 volumes and 38 current periodical subscriptions.
- 1937—Librarian listed in yearbook is Ms. Maurine (sic) Brunner.
- 1938—Friends of Youngstown College library formed with William F. Maag Jr. (publisher of The Vindicator) as president.
Friends group campaigns yearly for funds to provide materials for the library.
1940s
- 1943—Library space becomes an issue. Maag expresses need for additional funds for a new building.
- 1947—Campaign begins in earnest for a new library building.
- 1949—Dr. Ivan Grimshaw appointed to direct the library.
1950s
- 1950—Library campaign surpasses the goal of $1,000,000.
- Construction begins on the building to house the Youngstown College Library.
- 1950—Dr. James Perie appointed as Library Director.
- 1953—Youngstown College Library opens with space for 500 seats for readers and shelving capacity of 125,000 volumes.
- 1955—Youngstown College becomes Youngstown University.
- 1957—Dr. George Jones appointed as Library Director.
1960s
- 1967—The University becomes a state university.
- Youngstown University Library continues to outgrow its home.
1970s
- Richard Owen is University Librarian.
- 1976—New six-story library opens, named for the late William F. Maag Jr., founder of the Friends of Youngstown College
Library and tireless campaigner.
- Library triples seating capacity with room for 1,600 students and includes capacity for shelving a half million volumes.
- Computers enter the library with the addition of an automated cataloging system and an automated circulation system.
1980s
- Dr. David Genaway appointed University Librarian.
- Library card catalog gives way to computer terminals.
- Electronic database searching begins.
- Friends of the Library reorganized under the initiative of Carol Wall and Dr. James Houck; organization now Friends of
Maag Library.
1990s and beyond
- Library becomes a founding member of OhioLINK library consortium giving students access to the resources of over 79
colleges and universities in Ohio as well as electronic databases and journals.
- Computer terminals give way to PCs.
- Thomas Atwood appointed Executive Director.
- Bliss Materials Center moves to Maag Library.
- Curriculum Resource Center established in Beeghly Hall.
- Computer Lab Opens.
- Rose Melnick Medical Museum opens.
- Maag subscribes to over 2000 print journals and over 4000 electronic journals.
- The library collection exceeds half a million volumes.
- Maag Library goes digital!
National Library Week 2002
Maag Library home
This page created April 16, 2002.