McCOLVIN,+Lionel+Roy

McCOLVIN, Lionel Roy (1896-1976) Croydon 1911; DL Wigan 1921; CL Ipswich 1924; CL Hampstead 1931; CL Westminster 1938-1961 One of the best known of all librarians, 'Mac's' major contribution was to the betterment of public libraries, in Britain and throughout the world, service rendered both as an individual and as the LA Honorary Secretary 1934-1951. During the period prior to this he had become well known nationally because of numerous publications, articles and books of which //Music in public libraries// (1924), //The theory of book selection for public libraries// (1925) and //Library extension work and publicity// (1927) were outstanding. His //The public library system of Great Britain: a report on its present condition with proposals for post-war reorganization// (1942) was probably his greatest single service for in it he not only highlighted the shortcomings but also recommended practical measures of reform including larger administrative units, better co-ordinated book stocks and better staff training. Subsequent Local Government reform has produced the larger units, and school of librarianship attendance has become a normal part of staff training. The 'McColvin report' began his career as a world figure; from 1946 onwards he virtually travelled the world and his //The chance to read: public libraries in the world today// (1956) is among the best of his many books. He was LA President in 1952 and made Honorary Fellow in 1961. R F Vollans. Ed. //Libraries for the people: international studies in librarianship in honour of L R McColvin// (1968).

B. C. Bloomfield, ‘ McColvin, Lionel Roy (1896–1976) ’, //Oxford Dictionary of National Biography//, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 8 Nov 2009