Samuel Swett Green | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office July 1891 – November 1891 | |
| Preceded by | Melvil Dewey |
| Succeeded by | Klas August Linderfelt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1837 Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | December 8, 1918 (aged 81) Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | founding figure in America’s public library movement |
Samuel Swett Green (February 20, 1837 – December 8, 1918) was a founding figure in America’s public library movement.
Considered by many to be the "father of reference work", laying the groundwork for widespread reform within the field,[1] he opened his presidential address to the American Library Association in 1891 with the memorable words "The function of the library is to serve its users".[2]
- ^ Tyckoson, David (2003). "On the Desirableness of Personal Relations Between Librarians and Readers: The Past and Future of Reference Service". Reference Services Review. 31 (1): 12–16. doi:10.1108/00907320310460834.
- ^ Faxon, Frederick W. Bulletin of Bibliography. Boston: F. W. Faxon Company. p. 102.