Early history of the Karori Library, 1844-1902

Abstract

Examines the early history of the Karori Library with reference to the library models that existed in pre-1850 Great Britain. The main argument being that the history of colonial institutions cannot be divorced from the historical influences of Great Britain. Traces the development of Wakefield's theory of systematic colonisation as a background to the founding of Wellington. The work of Thomas Kelly and Paul Kaufman provide an insight into pre-1850 library models. Suggests the early history of the Karori Library provides an example of the transmission and adaptation of conceptual models.