Books like The Library: A World History by James W. P. Campbell

A visual tour of the library’s evolution from ancient Babylonian and Alexandrian collections to modern hubs like the Royal Society, Newberry Library, and Smithsonian.

A Gentle Madness traces the history of book collecting from ancient Alexandria to the modern era, offering insights into the passionate culture that surrounds rare volumes and the collectors who cherish them.

"This ninth (and first illustrated) edition, revised and edited by Nicolas Barker and Simran Thadani, and with a new introduction, incorporates more additions and amendments which they have accumulated since the last edition was updated for Oak Knoll Press"--

"Revolting librarians aren't defined by what they are, they are defined by what they do. In fact, it's not even what they do, but how they do it"--Katia Roberto and Jessamyn West, in the Preface. This compilation of witty, insightful, and readable writings on the various aspects of alternative librarianship edited by two outspoken library professionals is a sequel to Revolting Librarians, which was published in 1972. The contributors, including Alison Bechdel, Sanford Berman, and Utne Reader librarian Chris Dodge, cover topics that range from library education and librarianship as a profession to the more political and spiritual aspects of librarianship. The contributions include critiques of library and information science programs, firsthand accounts of work experiences, and original fiction, poetry and art. Ten of the original librarians who wrote essays for Revolting Librarians back in 1972 reflect upon what they wrote thirty years ago and the turns that their lives and careers have taken since.

Adrian Johns' The Nature of the Book traces how print culture shaped intellectual, commercial, and political life in Britain during the first two centuries after the printing press.

A humorous look at a public library’s circulation desk, where odd requests, eccentric patrons and heart‑warming stories collide amidst the scent of crab cakes.

The present work is an attempt to trace the history of libraries in the western world; to indicate the way in which libraries developed and how they influenced and were influenced by their coeval cultures. - Preface.

A substantial revision of the earlier edition, this book also incorporates recent scholarship on libraries, along with bibliographies and more.