Between 2001 and 2005, a Strategic Planning Process involved all staffs in the University Libraries. It focused on knowing what other research libraries were doing in several key areas and how, as organization, the University Libraries planned to approach those same areas. Emphasis was placed on having a better informed staff who could be expected to help address the challenges facing research libraries in the 21st century.

1846

University of Buffalo founded. Medical Library established.

1909

Law School Library established.

1913

Courses in liberal arts first offered at the University and a general library collection begins.

1922

Ruth Bartholomew appointed first librarian.

1923-1924

Library Committee of the University of Buffalo Council consists of Mrs. Edward H. Butler, Philip Becker Goetz, and George D. Crofts.

1927

In December, the main library moves from Foster Hall to Hayes Hall. The Chemistry and Pharmacy collections remain in Foster, forming a departmental library.

1928-1929

Science Library formed in Foster Hall, combining natural sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, and medical books. Thomas B. Lockwood contributes money for the erection of the Lockwood Memorial Library.

1934

Charles D. Abbot named Director of Libraries.

1935

In April, Lockwood Memorial Library opened for use. In May, Formal dedication of Lockwood Library.

1935-1936

"The Friends of Lockwood Memorial Library" formed.

1937

Poetry Collection established; the Council authorized the Chancellor to request the assistance of the Carnegie Corporation in developing a manuscript collection of American and British poets from 1880 to the present.

1951-52

Lockwood Library becomes a depository for the publications of the Atomic Energy Commission.

1955

Polish Collection established. The post of Assistant Director of Libraries is created and filled by James Heslin on March 1.

1956-1957

Major administrative changes occur.

1958

Chemistry Library established.

1960-1961

Health Science Library created through the combination of the libraries of Medicine, Dentistry, Biology, Nursing, and Pharmacy.

1962

University of Buffalo becomes part of the State University of New York.

1962-1963

Lockwood Library becomes a depository library for United States Government documents. Lockwood Library obtains the Human Relations Area Files (HRAF.)

1964

University Archives established.

1965

Mathematics Library opened.

1966

Engineering Library, Physics Library, and Geology and Geography collections merged to become the Science and Engineering Library.

1967

University Libraries join the Association of Research Libraries.

1968

One Millionth volume added to the collections.

1970

Music Library opened.

1973

Undergraduate Library (UGL) established. Central Technical Services (CTS) formed.

1975

Architecture and Environmental Design Library Opened. (Now called Architecture and Planning Library)

1979

Dedication of Lockwood Memorial Library on the North Campus.

1981

Two million volume added to the collections.

1983

Geac automated circulation System implemented.

1987

Center for Book Preservation opened.

1990

BISON (Buffalo Information System Online) inaugurated.

1995

Digital library initiative is begun.

1996

BISON implemented with public graphical interface workstations.

1997

Electronic reserves were introduced and the Library Help Center in UGL provided assistance and offered workshops on e-mail, creating home pages, and word processing.

1998

A CrossPlex-enabled online catalog provided web access to the NOTIS OPAC.

Taken from Commemoration of the Three Millionth Volume at the University of Buffalo's website.