**Arundell Esdaile**
**Definition:**
Arundell James Kennedy Esdaile (1880–1956) was a British librarian, bibliographer, and author, best known for his tenure as the Secretary of the British Library (then the British Museum Library) from 1926 to 1940. He made significant contributions to library science and bibliography during the early 20th century.
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# Arundell Esdaile
Arundell James Kennedy Esdaile was a prominent British librarian and bibliographer whose career spanned the first half of the 20th century. He is chiefly remembered for his leadership of the British Museum Library, where he served as Secretary from 1926 until 1940. Esdaile’s work in library administration, bibliography, and the history of books and printing left a lasting impact on the field of librarianship in the United Kingdom.
## Early Life and Education
Arundell Esdaile was born in 1880. Details about his early life and family background are relatively sparse, but it is known that he received a solid education that prepared him for a career in librarianship and scholarship. His academic training and early professional experiences laid the foundation for his later achievements in the management of one of the world’s most important libraries.
## Career
### Early Career
Esdaile began his career in librarianship in the early 20th century, a period marked by significant developments in library science and the expansion of public and research libraries. He quickly established himself as a knowledgeable bibliographer and an effective administrator.
### Secretary of the British Museum Library
In 1926, Esdaile was appointed Secretary of the British Museum Library, a position he held until 1940. The British Museum Library, which later became the British Library, was one of the largest and most prestigious libraries in the world, housing an extensive collection of manuscripts, books, and other materials.
As Secretary, Esdaile was responsible for overseeing the library’s operations, acquisitions, and services to scholars and the public. His tenure coincided with a period of modernization and expansion, during which he worked to improve cataloging, access, and the overall management of the library’s vast collections.
### Contributions to Library Science
Esdaile was an advocate for the professionalization of librarianship and contributed to the development of bibliographic standards and practices. He was involved in various professional organizations and was respected for his expertise in the history of books and printing.
## Scholarly Work and Publications
In addition to his administrative duties, Esdaile was a prolific writer and scholar. He authored numerous articles and books on bibliography, the history of printing, and library science. His works are noted for their thorough research and clear presentation.
### Notable Publications
– **”The British Museum Library: A Short History and Survey”** – This work provides an overview of the history and development of the British Museum Library, reflecting Esdaile’s deep knowledge of the institution he led.
– **Bibliographical Essays and Articles** – Esdaile contributed extensively to bibliographical scholarship, often focusing on the history of book production and the organization of library collections.
## Legacy
Arundell Esdaile’s impact on librarianship and bibliography is recognized through his leadership at the British Museum Library and his scholarly contributions. His efforts helped shape modern library practices in the UK and influenced the development of bibliographic standards internationally.
Esdaile’s tenure as Secretary is remembered as a period of stability and progress for the British Museum Library, setting the stage for its eventual transformation into the British Library. His writings continue to be referenced by scholars interested in the history of libraries and book culture.
## Personal Life
Information about Esdaile’s personal life, including family and interests outside of his professional work, is limited. However, his dedication to librarianship and scholarship suggests a lifelong commitment to the advancement of knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage.
## Death
Arundell Esdaile passed away in 1956. His death marked the end of a distinguished career that had a lasting influence on the field of librarianship.
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**Meta Description:**
Arundell Esdaile was a British librarian and bibliographer who served as Secretary of the British Museum Library from 1926 to 1940, contributing significantly to library science and the history of books. His leadership and scholarship helped shape modern librarianship in the UK.