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Dissertation Information for Victoria Kline Musmann

NAME:
- Victoria Kline Musmann

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Southern California (USA) (1983)

ADVISORS:
- Dennis Thomison

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Bruce Bennion
- Catherine Burke

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: WOMEN AND THE FOUNDING OF SOCIAL LIBRARIES IN CALIFORNIA, 1859-1910

Abstract: Purpose. This historical study had two related purposes: (1) to determine the number, type, and geographic distribution of social libraries founded by women in California between 1859 and 1910, (2) to examine the expressed goals of the women who founded libraries to determine whether and to what extent they sought to influence moral values and control social behavior by establishing libraries. These goals were compared with the goals of male library leaders who established libraries on the East Coast between 1876 and 1920 to shape public morality. The women's goals were also compared with the goals of disestablished ministers who founded libraries in the 1800s to influence mass reading tastes.

Methodology. Primary data sources included: Constitutions, minutes, reports and records of California women's clubs and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), and Articles of Incorporation filed by the women's clubs and WCTU groups. Secondary sources included local histories, newspaper articles, books and journals. Primary and secondary sources were located by administering a questionnaire to a population of 114 libraries in cities which maintained public libraries between 1878 and 1910. Usable responses were obtained from 93 (81.58%) of the libraries surveyed.

Findings. Women established social libraries in 59 (63.44%) of the 93 responding cities. The social libraries established by women included: (1) reading rooms established by the WCTU; (2) social libraries established by women's clubs; and (3) libraries established by one woman. Women were most active as library founders in Southern California. They sought to influence moral values and control social behavior by establishing libraries. Their goals were similar to the goals of early library leaders on the East Coast and similar to the goals of disestablished ministers.

Conclusions. Women led the social library movement in California. By establishing libraries California women succeeded in influencing moral values and social behavior and enlarged the domestic sphere to include the world outside the home. The success of the social libraries convinced local governments to establish the first tax-supported free public libraries.

MPACT Scores for Victoria Kline Musmann

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A+C = 0
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W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-07-24 12:59:50

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