Public Libraries and National Identity in Britain, 1850–1919

Abstract

Abstract This essay suggests that even the most inventive recent works in British public library history have been surprisingly deficient in assimilating the important conclusions of recent theories and historiography of national identity. The defence that library history can have nothing useful to say in relation to national identity is refuted with reference to this recent wider literature. Theoretical models for research into national identity in British public libraries for the period 1850–1919 are explored, particular areas of library history of relevance to national identity are described, and questions which should be considered in the further research this issue merits will be iterated.