Although its mission and centrality to teaching and research remain fundamentally unchanged, the University of Alberta Library of today bears scant resemblance to its earliest incarnations. During its first century, it weathered frequent moves and much adversity, and witnessed many changes within the University and the world at large, as it gradually evolved into one of North America's largest academic research libraries. But throughout those 100 years, the commitment and dedication of its staff to service, innovation, and occasionally improvisation, have remained constant. This Centenary publication from The University of Alberta Library will enlighten fellow librarians, institutional historians, and friends of The University of Alberta.

Merrill Distad is Associate University Librarian for Research & Special Collections Services at the University of Alberta, where he has been employed since 1987.

Merrill Distad's profile page

"With the leadership of such people as Bruce Peel and Marjorie Sherlock, the University Library has triumphed over financial crises, interdepartmental meddling, and a fight for recognition, to develop one of the finest university libraries in Canada. Complete with all the trials and tribulations of its harassed librarians, the book is a good read." Alberta History, Autumn 2009"

"The University of Alberta Library is now the second largest in Canada and one of the top twenty academic research libraries in North America. Over the past one hundred years it has gone through reconstruction and moves, additions of new wings and branch libraries, regularly expanding collections, and at times, tight budgetary considerations. The author, Merrill Distad (research & special collections services, University of Alberta Library) comprehensively covers the changes." Book News Inc. May 2010