Samuel Swett Green

For other people with the same name, see Samuel Green.

Samuel Swett Green (February 20, 1837 – December 8, 1918) was an American librarian.

Samuel Swett Green
President of the American Library Association
In office July 1891 – November 1891
Preceded by	Melvil Dewey
Succeeded by	Klas August Linderfelt
Personal details
Born	(1837-02-20)February 20, 1837 Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Died	December 8, 1918(1918-12-08) (aged 81) Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Education	Harvard University
Occupation	Librarian
Known for	founding figure in America’s public library movement

Green was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to the apothecary James Green and Elizabeth Swett. He was educated at Harvard, graduating in 1858. A few years later, he attended Harvard Divinity School but did not graduate until 1864 due to health issues.^[1] Forsaking the ministry, he began his library career in 1867, when he was appointed director of the Worcester Free Public Library.^[2] The library was heavily funded by Green’s uncle, Dr. John Green.^[1] As director, Green focused primarily on the technical aspects of librarianship. He also instituted an interlibrary loan system and a lending collection of artwork.^[3] In 1871, he took up the position of librarian, a position he held for 38 years.^[4]

Green was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1880.^[5]

References

1. Richardson Jr., John V. "Green, Samuel Swett (20 February 1837 - 8 December 1918)". Retrieved 5 April 2015.
2. Samuel Swett Green: Worcester Free Public Library, Worcester, MA., Director 1867-1871, Librarian 1871-1909. Worcester, MA: Press of F. S. Blanchard & Co. 1909. pp. 1–18. Retrieved 5 April 2015.
3. "Samuel Swett Green | Worcester Public Library".
4. Deng, Liya (September 2014). "The Evolution of Library Reference Services: From General to Special, 1876-1920s". Libri: International Journal of Libraries & Information Services. 64 (3): 254–262.
5. American Antiquarian Society Members Directory

Further reading

• Bopp, Richard E. and Linda C. Smith. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, 3d ed. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 2001.
• Coombs, Zelotes Wood. (1909). Samuel Swett Green Worcester Free Public Library Worcester Mass. Director 1867-1871; Librarian 1871-1909. (a Memorial.) [with a Portrait.]. F.S. Blanchard & Co: Worcester Mass.

Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by Melvil Dewey	President of the American Library Association 1891	Succeeded by Klas August Linderfelt