University of Montana (Missoula, Mont.) Mansfield Library Records, 1903-2003

The library at the University of Montana in Missoula began with University President Oscar Craig’s daughter, Mary, presiding over 817 volumes at the university’s first campus, the old Willard School building. By the end of the first academic year, the collection had grown to 1,369 books, 19 periodicals, and 20 newspaper subscriptions. The library later moved to University Hall.

Librarian and Professor Gertrude Buckhous served from 1902 to 1931 and built the first comprehensive library program. She received advanced study at Columbia University in New York City and was active in national and international library associations. A Missoula, Montana native and University of Montana graduate, she also administered the library economy program. Highlights of her administration include the construction and occupation of the first library building (now Jeannette Rankin Hall) in 1908 and construction and occupation of a second library building (now the Social Sciences Building) in 1922. Miss Buckhous died in 1931.

Librarian and Professor Philip Keeney served from 1931 to 1940, though he was absent during the lawsuit over his employment from 1937 to 1940. He was a graduate of the University of California School of Librarianship (certificate 1927) and the University of Michigan Graduate School (MA in history and library science 1930). He was active in the Pacific Northwest Library Association. His administration was marked by conflict and strife; the Board of Regents ordered removal of certain materials from library in 1935 and he refused to comply with their move to censor materials. The Board requested Keeney’s resignation in April 1937. After a lengthy lawsuit with the university, he resigned in 1940 for a position at the Library of Congress.

Executive Librarian and Professor Kathleen Campbell served from the fall of 1939 to the spring of 1966. She arrived on temporary assignment during Keeney’s absence, but was officially appointed to the position following his resignation in 1940. A graduate of the University of Denver School of Librarianship, she was active in the Pacific Northwest Library Association, the Montana Library Association, and the American Library Association. She also served as professor in the UM’s Library Economy department. Highlights of her administration include renovation of the second library building to accommodate growth, planning for the third library building, and the beginnings of the Archives program.

Dean of Library Services Earl Thompson served from 1964 to 1982, replacing Campbell the last two years of her administration. He earned a MA in history from Duke University (1951), a MLn (Master of Librarianship) from Emory University (1951) and did graduate work in history at Louisiana State University. Before he moved to Montana, he was Associate Dean of Libraries at Louisiana State University. Thompson was active in the Pacific Northwest Library Association, the American Library Association, and the Montana Library Association. His administration planned the construction and move to the library’s present location, laid groundwork for automation, extended participation in interlibrary loan efforts, hired additional faculty, and merged with the Forestry Library. The library building was named for Maureen and Mike Mansfield in 1979.

Dean of Library Services Ruth Patrick served from 1983 to 1990. She came from Wayne State University and held a PhD in Library Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Highlights of her administration included planning for automation and a major reorganization of staff and faculty.

Dean of Library Services Karen Hatcher served from 1991 to 2000. She was active in the Montana Library Association and Pacific Northwest Library Association. Highlights of her administration included automation, planning for future automation systems, and the inclusion of other Montana campuses under the library’s administration.