ABSTRACT
The development of the Traditional Library took place in three phases: Social Control (1850–1930); Targeted provision (1930–1950); Universalism (1950–1970). Historical materialism shaped the Traditional Library Strategy, Structures and Systems (or Base), which in turn determined the Organisational Culture (or Superstructure). The defining characteristics of the Traditional Library are described within a three-level Analytical Framework: Marx, Maslow and Management. Empirical evidence is used from six case study libraries to illustrate the key features of a Traditional Library.
