Klas August Linderfelt

American librarian and scholar

Klas August Linderfelt (1847–1900) was a prominent American librarian and scholar, known for his contributions to library science and his role in the development of the Milwaukee Public Library.

Early Life and Education

Klas August Linderfelt was born on February 8, 1847, in Örebro, Sweden. He emigrated to the United States in 1868, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Linderfelt pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he developed a keen interest in library science and bibliographic studies.

Career

Linderfelt's career in library science began in earnest when he was appointed the first librarian of the Milwaukee Public Library in 1880. Under his leadership, the library expanded its collections and services, becoming a model for public libraries across the country.

Klas August Linderfelt

Milwaukee Public Library

Linderfelt played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the Milwaukee Public Library. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the library's new building, which opened in 1898. The library's architecture and organization reflected Linderfelt's vision of a modern public library.

Milwaukee Central Library

Contributions to Library Science

Linderfelt was a pioneer in the field of library classification and cataloging. He authored several influential works on the subject, including "Eclectic Card Catalog Rules," which provided guidelines for cataloging library materials. His work laid the foundation for future developments in library cataloging systems.

Professional Associations

Linderfelt was actively involved in professional library associations. He served as the president of the American Library Association (ALA) from 1891 to 1892. During his tenure, he advocated for the professionalization of librarianship and the establishment of standards for library services.

Later Life and Legacy

In the later years of his career, Linderfelt faced personal and professional challenges, including accusations of financial misconduct. Despite these difficulties, his contributions to library science and public libraries remain significant.

Klas August Linderfelt

Linderfelt passed away on March 18, 1900, in Milwaukee. His legacy continues to influence the field of library science, and he is remembered as a key figure in the development of public libraries in the United States.

Related Pages

• Milwaukee Public Library
• American Library Association
• Library science