The history of the Carnegie Mellon University library is a reflection of Carnegie Mellon’s history – pragmatic and entrepreneurial. The first libraries on campus were departmental libraries scattered across campus and tucked away in offices. As faculty and students realized a central library was needed, the various collections were moved into the Hut, a converted WWI canteen. During WWII, the library was moved back into repurposed offices. Finally, in 1961, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hunt, we moved into our first (and only) purpose-built library. Carnegie Mellon now also has two disciplinary libraries -- Sorrells Engineering and Science Library and the Mellon Institute, as well as a library in Qatar.
1900
The Carnegie Technical Schools are founded. Students have to walk across Junction Hollow to use the Carnegie Public Library in Oakland.
1920
Carnegie Tech’s first central library, affectionately known as “The Hut,” opens in a converted WWI soldier’s canteen.
1943
The library moves into room 240 Industries Hall (now Porter Hall), so that the Hut could be returned to its original purpose, a dining facility.
1949
The ever-growing library collection moves to the more spacious rooms 355-360 Administration Hall (now Baker Hall).
1958
Mr. and Mrs. Roy A. Hunt donate the funds to build Hunt Botanical Library to house Carnegie Tech’s library and Mrs. Hunt’s collection of fine and rare botanical books.
1961
Hunt Library opens, with the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Institute occupying the 5th floor.
1967
Carnegie Tech gains a second library, following its merger with the Mellon Institute.
1971
The Engineering and Science Library, Carnegie Mellon’s third official library, opens on the fourth floor of Science Hall (now Wean Hall).
2004
Qatar Foundation invited Carnegie Mellon to join Education City, a groundbreaking center for scholarship and research, and in 2004, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar opened its doors with 41 students.
The Posner Center opens, housing the Posner Memorial Collection.
2006
The Maggie Murph Café opens in Hunt Library.
2010
Exterior lights are added to Hunt Library.
2012
The Engineering and Science Library is renamed the Roger Sorrells Engineering and Science Library.