South Caroliniana Library's Leadership
Robert Lee Meriweather
Erwin Lester Inabinett
Allen Stokes
Herb Hartsook
Henry Fulmer
Beth Bilderback
Nathan Saunders
Remembering the Days. A once and future treasure, the South Caroliniana Library
Check out this podcast episode of Remembering the Days by Chris Horn, featuring our University Archivist, Elizabeth West.
Learn about South Caroliniana Library
South Caroliniana Library, a welcoming space for all researchers, including community researchers, interested in South Carolina.
Established in 1840 as the College Library for South Carolina College, South Caroliniana Library (SCL) is the oldest free standing academic library in the United States. Located on the Horseshoe, SCL hosts thousands of books and primary sources on South Carolina history . The team of library professionals proudly acquires, preserves, and makes available the materials. Regardless of the researcher’s area of study and expertise, South Caroliniana Library has materials that will meet their needs.
“South Caroliniana Library specializes in material relating to the history of South Carolina. The printed material is all by or about South Carolinians or South Carolina or published in South Carolina. All the material relates to South Carolina in some way.” Quoted by E.L. Inabinett, inaugural library director, The Gamecock, November 14, 1949
The influence of South Carolina native Robert Mills is evident in the design of both the reading room and the façade. The grave of J. Rion McKissick, just in front of the Library testifies to his influence as the President who voted to turn this historic structure into a research library for South Carolina history and culture. Whether admiring the 1840 heart pine floors or the craftsmanship of antebellum furniture makers Abraham C. Squier and George S. Bower, visitors will find South Caroliniana Library a great place to learn about and engage with the story of the Palmetto State.
South Caroliniana Library is a great space all South Carolinians and beyond to enrich their knowledge, engage others who share similar commonalities, and make use of resources to continue scholarly conversations.
Howard, Susan. (1979, November 14). South Caroliniana Library makes history for USC. The Gamecock. http://historicnewspapers.sc.edu/lccn/2012218660/1979-11-14/ed-1/seq-5/print/image_569x817_from_0,0_to_5385,7722/
West, Elizabeth. (n.d.) Self-guided tour of the South Caroliniana Library. South Caroliniana Library
South Carolinina History in Books
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The South Caroliniana Library byDescribes the major collections (manuscripts, maps, newspapers, visal materials) of the South Caroliniana Library, a special collections library located on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia.
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Creating the South Caroliniana Library byThe columns of the Caroliniana Library evoke a sense of heritage, continuity, and quietude. We think of the building as a local landmark. In reality, however, it is neither quiet nor local. It is a hive of activity, and it becomes more meaningful when we remember outside forces that have influenced every aspect of its evolution. The Caroliniana building was designed by Robert Mills and built in 1840 as the first freestanding academic library in the United States.