Philip Lee Phillips and the growth of the library of Congress map collection, 1897–1924

Abstract

Although not established until 1897, the map collection of the Library of Congress (LC) by 1924 had already become the largest in the world. Philip Lee Phillips, the first chief of the Hall of Maps and Charts was in charge during this period of rapid growth. This article presents biographical data on Phillips and explores the causes of the growth of the collection. Factors discovered to be responsible for the large numerical growth of the collection include the operation of the copyright law and LC's dual role as the de facto national library and as a federal agency in proximity with the map producing agencies of the United States government. While not primarily responsible for these factors, Phillips took advantage of the opportunities they presented. Phillips' purchases for the collection are examined, and, while small in number, are found to be important in building the historical component of the collection.